 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L. Click image to enlarge |
|
Manufacturer’s web site |
By Paul Williams; photos courtesy Honda
Photo Gallery:
2012 Honda CR-V
San Diego, California – I like the look of the new Honda CR-V. It’s got an appealing but purposeful face, a taut body that seems to have lost a few pounds, and a tidily designed rear that’s familiar but more modern.
Too bad you can’t buy one until January, 2012, at the earliest.
What’s that, you say? Blame the floods in Thailand, where some of the CR-V’s key electrical components are manufactured (or not, as it temporarily the case). That’s the thing about globalism: a problem in one place has big consequences worldwide.
But time will fly as usual, and I’m sure you’ll see Canadian roads quickly populated with 2012 Honda CR-Vs, such is the model’s popularity here. Furthermore, in a departure from past practice, the CR-V will be built in Canada at the Alliston, Ontario plant which also builds the Civic, Acura MDX and Acura ZDX.
 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L. Click image to enlarge |
The Honda CR-V is all-new and fully redesigned for 2012. Horsepower is up by five – now 185 hp from the enhanced 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine — and fuel consumption is down to 9.0/6.4 L/100 km for front-wheel drive versions, and 9.2/6.6 L/100 km for the more popular all-wheel drive examples. Like many competitors in the compact SUV segment, there’s no V6 option for the CR-V.
The price, not yet announced by Honda, will be about the same as the outgoing model, ranging between approximately $26,000 for the entry-level FWD LX to $36,000 for the fully-equipped EX-L version. A Touring Package adds chrome door handles, roof rails and an appearance badge.
Several new features come standard, including an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 split rear seat, Honda’s “Eco-Assist with Econ Mode” system to reduce fuel consumption, an expanded-view driver’s mirror, an improved centre console, Hill Start Assist, electric power-assist steering, a multi-information display with text messaging function and Bluetooth connectivity, and a rear-view camera. Heated power side mirrors and tinted windows are also standard.
 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L. Click image to enlarge |
All-wheel drive models now use an Intelligent Control System that actively apportions power front-to-rear based on driving conditions. The system anticipates front wheelspin, minimizing delay in sending power to the rear wheels when required.
The sleek appearance of the 2012 CR-V is something of a tromp l’oeil, as it looks bigger than the previous generation, but it’s actually slightly shorter in length (by 15mm) and it loses 25 millimetres in height. Clever stylists are responsible for the effect.
Interior volume, however, is increased by 10 litres to 2,949 L for the LX and 16 L for the EX/EX-L, and the cargo floor usefully sits about 25 mm lower.
 2012 Honda CR-V Touring. Click image to enlarge |
The sills have been redesigned for easier entry and exit (less step-over distance), and the chassis is more rigid, which, along with lighter suspension components, additional insulation and better aerodynamics, make for a quieter cabin. Although Honda doesn’t give specific coefficient of drag (Cd) numbers, they do say that the CR-V’s Cd has improved by eight per cent.
At the front, the 2012 CR-V features a much improved grille, headlamp and bumper design. Gone is the busy grille of the outgoing generation, and gone, too, are the chunky plastic off-road styling elements that used to decorate the lower fascia and side sills.
The result is a much sleeker, more urban conveyance that still looks capable, but adds a stronger dash of sophistication.
Inside, the CR-V is fully redesigned, acquiring a better centre console that features a deep storage compartment.
    2012 Honda CR-V Touring. Click image to enlarge |
Depending on your driving style, the push-button operated “Econ Mode” can reduce fuel consumption by engaging a more efficient engine management profile, and modulating the air conditioning system. The CR-V will default to the last mode selected, so if you turned off the vehicle in Econ Mode, it will remain in that mode when you start it. Likewise, if you turned it off in Normal mode, that’s the mode you get when you start it the next time. This is the correct way to incorporate such a feature, in my view.
Our fuel consumption, by the way, on a mostly highway route was 6.7L/100 km, which is excellent for a vehicle of this type.
The new Easy Fold rear seats simultaneously flip up the rear seat squabs while folding the seat backs and head restraints via the pull of a lever at the rear door. It’s a clever and helpful feature that produces an almost, but not quite, flat floor for the cargo area. A fully flat floor would be even better.
A standard rear camera is great to have in a vehicle of this type, and given that this technology is turning up even in compact cars from competing manufacturers, it’s good that Honda is not delaying the standard fitment of this excellent safety feature.
On the road, the CR-V’s five-speed automatic transmission (no manual is available) operates smoothly as the vehicle gains speed. At highway cruising speeds the engine is turning at a low 2,000 r.p.m. and all is pretty-much silent in the cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and feature new whiplash mitigation design elements; outward visibility is good, and rear-seat passengers have good headroom and legroom.
The new electric-assist power steering is more vague than the outgoing hydraulic system. It just doesn’t give the same feedback and quick response, but after a couple hundred kilometres, you get used to it.
I think the 2012 Honda CR-V is a successful evolution of this vehicle. Pricier than some of its direct competition, it nonetheless offers a refined package backed by Honda’s reputation for superior engineering and solid resale values. The 2012 version’s new styling, better fuel economy and enhanced standard features are steps in the right direction for the CR-V.
Now Honda just needs to get them on the showroom floor.
At a glance: 2012 Honda CR-V
Trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L
Estimated pricing: $26,000-$36,000
Assembly location: Alliston, Ontario
Available: January, 2012
