New 2013 Honda CR-V 2.0 review, test drive

We comprehensively road test the all-new CR-V and find out how much better it is.

Published on Jun 15, 2013 05:48:00 PM

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New 2013 Honda CR-V 2.0 review, test drive

Surprisingly, the new CR-V's interiors seem to be less sophisticated than the outgoing one. While the older car had a fine blend of textures and materials such as the finely dimpled dashboard coupled with the metal finished accents, the new CR-V’s dashboard has an unstinting dose of hard plastics in black hues. Although well engineered, consumers would definitely expect better quality interiors at this price point. While there are bits that look dated, there are others that have a crisp, modern feel to them. Flanking the large speedo is a ‘glow-green tree meter’ which is illuminated in green when you drive economically.

Like most Hondas, the CR-V's buttons operate with a nice click. There is substantial improvement in the interiors. Up front, the seats offer better under-thigh support and finding a good driving position is easy with the eight-way electrically powered seat and a steering wheel that is rake and telescopically adjustable.

Despite the physically smaller dimensions, there is more all-round space. There are a lot of useful storage spaces owing to clever use of door pockets and armrests. However, unlike the older car, the lack of open space between the seats and centre console restricts some storage options. Although you get three cupholders instead of the earlier two, the storage box isn’t as deep as before. Similarly, unique bits like the useful twin glovebox and ‘conversation mirror’ are missing. But, an additional 12-volt socket in the new CR-V’s storage box makes up for it.

Also, the rear seat and boot have been reworked, making ingress and egress easier and providing better under thigh support. The CR-V offers loads of legroom all around and further improving practicality, the cargo loading area is now at approximately knee height, making it more convenient to load heavy luggage.