When you think about how the automotive world is constantly changing, with new niches becoming mainstream mostly based on financial reasons, you would expect a model to steer away from the initial values it was gifted with. However, some do just the opposite and strengthen those qualities, focusing on doing one thing right rather than more, but with average results.
Back in 1995, when Honda popularized the CR-V, the Japanese carmaker had one goal and one goal only: practicability. Although you could hardly tell, Honda derived the
SUV from the already-popular Civic while the CR-V name was given two interpretations: 'Comfortable Runabout Vehicle' and 'Compact Recreational Vehicle'. Either way, you can read a desire for convenience and usability between the lines. So, how does the facelifted 2015 Honda CR-V handle itself in this territory?
History tells us that Honda's compact SUV worked its way up on the evolution ladder to become one of the most common choices in the segment, and this is not limited to only one continent. However, the current generation has been around since 2011, so Honda saw fit to take measures and refresh the CR-V. Changes go deeper than the metal carapace, but we'll take it one step at a time.
First in line, the exterior. Past CR-V generations were considered odd-looking by some, when viewed from certain angles. That's not the case anymore, as the current facelift is here to finish the job started by the fourth-generation Honda CR-V. You have the comprehensive photo gallery at your disposal, but I will also touch a few points concerning the compact SUV's styling.
It looks like the designers managed to enhance several features just enough to allow the CR-V a comeback among rivals like Nissan Qashqai or Mazda CX-5. However, compared to these two models, the facelifted CR-V still has some work to do in terms of sharpness and crisp appearance.
However, the aggressive aura around the front end has been taken one level up courtesy of three chrome bars and redesigned headlights flowing into the grille. There's also a pair of U-shaped LED daytime running lights thrown into the mix, giving a fresh overall look on the CR-V's face.
In the rear end, the SUV features new taillights that complete the overall invigorated appearance. Also, everything seems more fluid and, on a personal note, the CR-V has now a more pronounced crossover-ish flavor about it, but in a laid back setup, far from an asphalt-devouring visual package.
Enter the cabin, and you'll feel like an NASA astronaut because the CR-V, even in its facelifted 2015 model, is all about space.
In fact, it's enough just to have a look from the outside, through an open door, to realize just how much room the CR-V has to offer. Of course, you won't need a map to find your way inside, what I'm trying to say is that four adults can rest in comfortable conditions inside. However, I'll get back on that later on.
Once you step inside the cabin, the interior won't strike you as attractive. It's not the most appealing example of design creativity, but considering that there's a high chance a family will periodically “live” inside the car for daily or holiday trips, that's not an issue.
Overall, the quality of the materials is decent, with a sturdy touch what will no doubt please those who look for durability and not fancy trim inserts. There's plenty of space for items to be stored in the armrest positioned between the two front seats. Plus, the glovebox also adheres to the space-favoring philosophy, just like the pockets carved on the inside of the front doors.
The raised driving position will kindly remind you it's an SUV you're about to drive. However, Honda kept up the ergonomic level inside the driver - steering wheel - pedals triangle, which means your body will be nicely tucked in. Also, the gear lever is placed in an easy to reach position under the upper central console. But only after kilometers start to add up on the odometer, the driver and the one sitting next to him will realize just how comfortable the seats are. As a personal remark, the knee cushion on the outside of the median tunnel is still working wonders, especially for taller physiques.
For those in the back, it's the same story, retold. Space for the knees and the head is impressive even for individuals taller than 1.80 m while the backseat will be gentle with their backs. Three people can travel in a decent comfort setup, mostly because there is no transmission tunnel to annoy the passenger sitting in the middle.
Honda took care of soundproofing the cabin and the difference between the pre-facelift version is perceptible, especially at high speeds. The new 1.6-liter diesel engine on the test model was also kept at bay acoustically speaking, every time the RPM went beyond the 2,000 mark. As a result, the CR-V's cabin acts like a bubble that surrounds the passengers, isolating them from unwanted and possible irritating air vibrations from the outside. All in all, from an occupant's point of view, the CR-V's cabin stands for relaxed, generous and airy environment.
In the practical department, the square-shaped boot offers 589 liters of storage space, better than the Nissan Qashqai (430 liters), the Ford Kuga (442 liters) and the Mazda CX-5 (464 liters). Loading and unloading can now be done easier because the already wide tailgate has a lower closing point, and that translates into easy handling especially when big luggage joins the equation. But if 589 liters aren't enough, you can transform the back of the 2015 CR-V facelift into a cave. That won't turn you into Batman, but you'll benefit from a cargo volume of 1,669 liters (with space-saver spare wheel). And you know what the best part is? Honda's Magic Seats feature. There's a handle in the boot that, once pulled, triggers the back seat base to rearrange forward, while the back slumps down with the headrest tucked it, to form a flat surface.
By now, you'll want to know how the facelifted 2015 CR-V performs on asphalt, right? Well, you have every right to get that piece of information, especially since the refreshment operated by Honda on the compact SUV in Europe brings a new 160
HP and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) 1.6-liter diesel engine to the party.
The US-spec 2015 Honda CR-V is only available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 185 HP and 245 Nm (181 lb-ft), but we only got to test the Euro-spec 160 HP version.
One could argue that's a response to what Nissan did with the 130 HP 1.6-liter dCI diesel mill available on the X-Trail, which isn't a very far-fetched argument. But Honda opted for more power as part of their Earth Dreams Technology conception. Also, the new mill replaces the familiar 2.2-liter diesel unit, and Honda says it returns a theoretical 4.9/100 km (56 mpg UK, 48 mpg US) fuel economy in combined cycle.
The engine can team up with either a manual six-speed transmission or an automatic nine-speed gearbox sourced from ZF taking over from where the five-speed auto left off. However, the test vehicle came with a duo made of the new 1.6-liter diesel and the six-speed manual, so we'll refer to this pair from now on.
Since I just mentioned the theoretical average fuel consumption, it's also worth noting that throughout the test, the CR-V drank on average 7.6 l/100 km (37 mpg UK, 31 mpg US). Also, there's the traditional Honda Eco button for those who want to sweeten that number.
The manual gearbox does a decent job in handling what the engine has to throw at it, as long as you don't overwork the accelerator.
But, to be honest, this is not going to happen in 90% of situations, since the CR-V is just not built for that.
Even if you push the gas pedal harder when performing an overpass, for example, the engine proves well-behaved and refined even above the 3,000 RPM mark. There's also sufficient torque to use when needed, but again, the entire setup favors a relaxed driving style.
Out on the open road, the facelifted 2015 Honda CR-V works just as any SUV would. In other words, the ride quality is reasonable, although I felt the shock absorbers being a bit lazy compared to the pre-facelift model. However, the suspension does a good job in filtering road imperfections without sending too much noise inside the cabin.
Whenever you hit a rough patch of asphalt or a mid-corner bump, the CR-V starts to fiddle a bit, not too shaky but enough for a person to feel it. Otherwise, the steering is precise, and you don't need to put the wheel through a cardio session to keep the car wherever you want on the road, especially in a straight line on the highway. In case you decide to head to the mountains on more winding roads, expect a medium serving of body roll to come out your way, but nothing too excessive.
Handling inside the city is also done swiftly, but from the driver's position you get to see all the extremities of the car so maneuvering the CR-V through the urban environment will not make you sweat. Nonetheless, braking has improved once the facelift came out, and now you can feel how the calipers bite the brake discs and the car promptly slows down.
Technology-wise, Honda produced a pleasant surprise by introducing a new Honda Connect infotainment system, available as standard on 2015MY CR-V in all grades except entry level. This makes sure the dashboard now features fewer buttons than other models in Honda's lineup. The system runs Android 4.0.4 and can be controlled through a range of functions displayed on a 7-inch smartphone-style screen.
Pinch, swipe, and tap functions work without glitches, so users are practically getting an Android table inside the car. The graphics are distinctive especially for the Garmin sat-nav - after all, there's an NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor pulling the strings - but you will still experience that annoying lag from time to time. You can also add a personal touch to the menus, by selecting two skins and various icon arrangements. The most interesting safety feature brought by Honda Sensing on the 2015 CR-V - in Executive grade - is the Intelligent
Adaptive Cruise Control (i-
ACC) feature. It combines a video camera and a radar to sense the position of other cars on the road. Regularly, the system applies an algorithm to predict the likelihood of nearby vehicles cutting-in and lets the car respond quickly to avoid a potential crash.
Other than that, you get Honda's Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Blind Spot Information and High Beam Support System.
In the US, the 2015 Honda CR-V starts from $23,445 in base trim level LX, without considering tax, license, registration, and the additional $880 destination charge. If you aim higher than that, Honda is ready to offer the CR-V in EX, EX-L and the range-topping Touring variant for a starting sticker of $31,645.
In Europe, the cheapest 2015 CR-V facelift can be had for €23,490 (£22,340), but with the 2.0-liter i-VTEC petrol engine. For the 1.6-liter i-DTEC diesel engine and 2WD, you'll have to pay a starting price tag of €26,655 while adding the
4WD optional feature raises the price to €32,590, but can only be had for the Elegance and above trim levels.
Honda's facelift mantle placed upon the 2015 CR-V keeps the compact SUV's heritage intact in terms of space and practicability.
I mean, the CR-V wouldn't be the CR-V without this. However, improvements come as logical add-ons that keep the car in line with the times we live in as well as the public it addresses.
Although not the most exciting model in its segment in terms of driving feeling and road behavior, the CR-V makes a safe choice for those who look for comfort and usability in and outside the city. Although steering has improved, you will still get a lot of SUV-like treatment from the 2015 CR-V facelift, but that's exactly how it should be. It is also a decent choice if you're interested in fuel economy, but we'll get back on that as soon as we drive the nine-speed auto version.