Driving Honda’s mid-size CR-V SUV – the Japanese car makers best-seller, the
CR-V really kick starting the SUV revolution when first released in 1997. The
current fifth generation freshened last year offers five two-wheel-drive models
and two all-wheel-drive. I drove the two-wheel drive VTi X at $41,500 drive-away
and the top-spec all-wheel-drive VTi LX at $53,200 drive-away – both 1.5-litre
turbo four-cylinder driving through a CVT automatic. Let me say at this point that
in mid-size SUV’s there’s some fresher designs however the CR-V can still hold
its head high in the market’s most competitive segment. From my standpoint, the
two-wheel drive models offer the most value and here the VTi X impressed me
most – a very well packaged SUV with an impressive cabin. With our current high
petrol prices its 1.5-litre turbo engine runs on 91 RON unleaded petrol which
many newer designs don’t. Interior comfort a high point, great seats, excellent leg
and shoulder room in both seat rows and good luggage space with a full-size
spare. Some aspects are showing their age like the 7-inch display screen which is
rather small. Cost of ownership its high point – Honda’s Low-Price Services
policy – $125 for each of the first five services every 12 months or 10,000 km. I’m
David Berthon.

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