Honda CR-V 2018 first drive

This is the fourth-generation version of Honda’s Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, better known as the CR-V. This SUV has been with us in some form or another since 1995, when the Toyota RAV4-rivalling original first appeared.

Since then, the CR-V has grown larger and more sophisticated. Compared with its direct predecessor, the wheelbase of this new version has been extended by 30mm to improve cabin space, although the overall length remains the same. Honda’s suite of active safety technologies, which includes lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and more, is standard across the range. The first CR-V with a hybrid powertrain will make an appearance later this year and you can ask for a seven-seat layout for the first time, too.

For now, though, there’s only one engine to choose from: a 1.5-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol available in two states of tune. It develops 170bhp and 162lb ft when paired with a six-speed manual transmission, and 190bhp and 179bhp with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual is available with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive, but the CVT directs power exclusively to all four wheels.

Beneath the striking exterior, Honda says, sits a lighter and more rigid chassis designed to provide the CR-V with a more dynamic and engaging driving experience. The suspension components have been redesigned, too, although still comprise the same MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear arrangement used by its forerunner.

There’s nothing particularly remarkable or exciting about the way the CR-V goes down the road, but don't mistake that as it being incompetent.

It’s ride, for instance, is comfortable and generally compliant, ironing out what few lumps and bumps there were on our Austrian test route with apparent ease. This doesn’t come at the expense of lateral or vertical body control, either; through sharper bends the Honda remains relatively flat, while undulations don’t bring about nausea-inducing bouncing either. The steering, meanwhile, is by no means communicative, but is nicely weighted and lets you direct the CR-V’s front end with confidence.

For tooling around town and sitting at a steady cruise on the motorway, the engine is quiet and refined. The only problem is that transitioning from one to the other not only takes a good deal of time - Honda claims accelerating from 0-60mph takes 10 seconds - but also brings a fair amount of noise with it. This was largely due to the CVT in our four-wheel-drive test vehicle flaring the engine revs whenever you pressed the throttle, leading to a sustained, vocal and coarse drone from the motor.