New 2013 Honda CR-V 2.0 review, test drive

When you see the CR-V first, it is evident that the new car is visually far more assertive than its predecessor. The distinctive three-bar grille makes it look a lot more serious. The black cladding on the lower portion of the bumper and skid-plate treatment below the bumper gives it that SUV look. Honda has cleverly used sharp lines, cuts and creases to give the new CR-V an illusion of being larger than it actually is.

In fact, the new CR-V is a good 30mm lower and 5mm shorter than its predecessor but the wheelbase remains unaffected. Also, the windscreen has been pushed forward to create more space. The new car will have a broader visual appeal than the old one though the design may not be very inspirational. The cabin is well lit owing to the large windscreen area and the sleek A-pillar, which also enhance the view out.

The highly rigid unibody construction combined with lightweight suspension components makes the new CR-V lighter yet stronger.

The noise, vibration and harshness levels have been improved by better sound absorption materials, carpets and under-bonnet material. The car is powered by the same 2.0 and 2.4-litre power plants, but they have been reworked for more refinement and power. We tested the 2.0-litre car with a six-speed manual transmission that drives the front wheels. The 2.0-litre variant comes with the option of both manual and automatic transmission; the 2.4-litre comes mated to a five-speed automatic transmission only.

The 2.4 also comes with six airbags – dual-front, side and curtain – and an occupant-position detection system, among other features like ABS, EBD and VSA.