Honda CR-V: Surprisingly, engaging to drive; priced at Rs 22.40 lakh

The third generation of Honda’s premium SUV entered the market in 2013. It’s spacious, comfortable, feature-rich and has most of the right styling elements. But the CR-V misses out on that all-important diesel engine. However, if you want an SUV with a good dose of refinement, then the petrol CR-V is something for you. Powering it are two engine options a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a five-speed automatic, and a bigger 190hp 2.4-litre unit that also comes with all-wheel drive. The 2.0-litre engine is expectedly more efficient, but the 2.4-litre is just a hoot to drive. There is good power and the automatic gearbox works just fine. Also, the CR-V feels very car-like from behind the wheel.

The steering is light and direct, and there is minimal body roll while cornering. This is one SUV you can really enjoy in twisty bits. On newer versions, you also get the option of paddle-shifters, which enhance the driving pleasure even more. What’s more; the ride and comfort in the back seat are good enough to keep you happy and relaxed being chauffeured around the city. Being a Honda, there are no major known faults. That said, there are a few areas you should check before finalising on a car. Some owners have complained about rear suspension wear, so make sure to get that checked, as replacing the entire suspension is expensive. If the car you’re looking at is the all- wheel drive, chances are that the owner might have taken it off-roading. Next, if you go for the automatic version, look for jerks and problems in shifting. Overall, the CR-V is a hassle-free SUV and it is hard to find one in poor shape. However, bear in mind, it’s a big Honda and its parts are expensive. If there is too much cosmetic damage, it could add up to

a hefty bill. Also, having a petrol engine doesn’t help at the pump either. Overall, in a mix of city and highway, you should get around 12-13kpl at best. Lastly, the asking price for a good top-end model is between Rs 14-16 lakh, but with the launch of the new CR-V coming later this year, prices are likely to fall a bit more. So, if you can wait, you might end up saving more on a reliable SUV that’s fun and easy to drive.

(By Jay Patil, DNA)