Honda - CR-V Euro NCAP - 4 STAR
The CR-V is a refined, reliable, good to drive and stylish 4x4. There's lots of space inside and the cabin is solidly built. Fleet a foot but frugal.
In the CR-V range you can choose between the 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel, both available in SE, ES and EX models. Currently one of the most fuel efficient off road 4x4 ever built, the refined Honda CR-V is changing the SUV rules - its greener, safer and smaller than most of the stereo types in existence. The new 2.2 i-CTDi for example is capable of 43.5 mpg (almost 50mpg extra urban!) on the combined cycle.
The basic SE comes with steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, electric windows, air conditioning, CD/radio and MP3 player socket. ES models come with fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass at the rear, dual-zone climate control, electric folding door mirrors and headlight washers. The EX range adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, electrically adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, rear parking camera, DVD, satellite navigation with Bluetooth phone and panoramic glass roof.
The CR-V has a roomy interior with plenty of space to seat five adults in comfort. Rear seats can slide and recline to improve comfort for passengers.
The old CR-V scored an excellent 4 star safety rating and a further four stars for child protection in the Euro NCAP tests. Honda expects the new CR-V to achieve a maximum five-star rating for occupant protection when tested.
Electronic stability control (counteracts mid-corner slides and snaking if you're towing a caravan or horsebox) and front, side and curtain airbags are standard along with Isofix child seat mounting points. The front head restraints are designed to help prevent whiplash injury. The EX model is offered with optional adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance between the vehicle in front, collision mitigation braking system which senses that an accident may be likely and starts braking.
Having previously excluded SUVs from their fleet policies many companies may be revising their lists, given the reduced emissions, lower running costs, reduced tax band and frugality of many CR-V models. Without doubt, one of the, if not the, greenest 4x4s on the market.
Honda's stoic reputation for reliability, should allow all owners worry free motoring . However, just in case, every new Honda car is protected by a comprehensive warranty. In addition to the 3 year or 90,000 mile (whichever comes first) Mechanical Warranty, a 3 year Paint Surface Warranty protects the external paintwork and a structural corrosion warranty covers any corrosion perforating the body from the inside out.
About the manufacturer
Honda - the green thinking persons manufacturer - is committed to environmental technology and is at the forefront of changing advances in fuel, low emissions and alternative energy sources for the future.
Not only are they looking to cut environmentally damaging emissions but in association with The Carbon Neutral Company Honda are promoting projects that absorb, neutralise and offset the carbon dioxide emissions produced by cars. Greener driving gifts offered by participating dealers to new owners, the planting of forests in the UK, and swapping Kerosene burners for solar panels in Sri Lanka are just a few of the initiatives.
Honda were the first manufacturer to launch a hybrid car, and lead development of fuel-cell cars. Their Swindon factory has cut the amount of landfill waste from 60kg per car to just 7kg since 1996 and is on target to reduce this to Zero by 2010.
All major Honda plants worldwide already meet the toughest international environmental management standards (ISO 14001), covering a host of environmental areas, such as waste disposal, water treatment and energy use.
Honda is committed to recycling materials and conserving resources and energy at every stage of its products, from research, design, production, sales, services and disposal, to minimizing and finding appropriate methods to dispose of waste and contaminants. For example reuse of leftover raw steel from stamping for engine and brake components, the use of returnable shipping containers, the development of emission reducing door and truck-sealer materials and on site solar panels. Honda has annually received up to $1.2 million in revenue from recycling paper, cardboard and plastic alone from its facilities.
Having recently won the What Car? Reliability Supertest 2006 Honda has also won the Fleet News survey in its FN50 report - for the second year in succession - for most reliable manufacturer, thus reducing the volume of old oil and other used parts in circulation.
Honda has introduced a new generation of petrol engines around the world that provide extremely low emission levels and increased fuel efficiency while still improving driving performance. To improve energy efficiency even further they have developed gas-electric hybrid vehicles that achieve ultra-high fuel economy. This includes the Civic Hybrid, the first mass-market car with hybrid power.
Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles have huge "green" potential for the future and it was Honda that developed one of the first fuel cell electric vehicles in the world.
Honda has also produced another fuel-cell first: the ground breaking FCX fuel cell electric vehicle. Likely to be in production in the next few years, this is the first car of its kind to obtain approval for commercialisation in the US.. Propelled by electricity, that is generated by a hydrogen-oxygen chemical reaction, the FCX fuel cell vehicle releases absolutely no damaging emissions. The only by product is harmless water vapour; the exhaust virtually vanishes into thin air.