At first glance, the CR-V 's exterior design is sleeker and more aggressive compared to its predecessor. It has an aerodynamic stance that gives off a cool vibe, so unlike the grandmotherly models of yester year. A bolder fascia with a three-bar grille, deeply set headlights, more prominent sculpting along the sides, longer roofline, an integrated front bumper that wraps upwards, vertical taillights, beefy fenders flares, large wheels--the CR-V 's entire look says, "I'm a lil' badass!"
Inside Peep
The interior of the CR-V feels sedan-like. The seats front and back are hands-down comfy, supporting you every which way, really good thigh support. The door armrests don't cause elbow nerve pain on long trips! The visibility all-around is noteworthy. Special attention was certainly paid to usable storage spaces like the center console which is roomy enough for your purse or secret stash of on-the-road edibles.
The talls, smalls and pleasingly plumps shouldn't complain about the vehicle's fit and comfort. The rear seats are also pretty accommodating for folks taller than average height. The flat floor takes away any passenger stress for those who have to sit in the middle.
There is ample cargo space and the new easy-fold rear seat makes it a cinch to add more space back there if you need it. Cargo capacity is 37 cubic feet with the seats up and 71 cubic feet when folded down.
Nice features worth tooting: the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), which comes standard on all trims, the instrumentation panel that is ABC-easy to figure out and the multifunction steering wheel with voice-activated controls are standard on all trims. Honorable mention goes to the navigation system and backup camera which were also high quality.
In an effort to further give driver distraction the boot, here's a real kicker that you texters would WANT to love. The i-MID system includes an SMS text-messaging function, which can read incoming texts heard over the audio system, and allows drivers to respond using one of six factory-preset text messages. It currently works with Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless technology and is only compatible with phones that are equipped with the Bluetooth and the Hands-Free profile.
The Ride Factor
Hitting the open road , the CR-V 's cabin is hushed. The ride feels confident, smooth and stable. The CR-V does a pretty impressive job of also sucking up those road thumps. Another plus is that I found the turn radius to be tight for an SUV. Body roll while cornering was kept to a minimum thanks to the vehicle's front and rear stabilizer bars.
Chug-a-lugging up a hill? The compact crossover now comes equipped with a new Hill Start Assist feature, which prevents rollback when the vehicle is stopped on a hill (which comes in handy if you live in a hilly area like yours truly!).
The steering wheel grip felt really good in my hands but the road feel was a smidge vague for my tastes but for most folks, it'll do just fine.
The overall driving experience gets a nod, the ride is very car-like and the power that the CR-V gives you is sufficient for the average Joe or Josephine. Maneuverability is easy-breezy in the CR-V especially when trying to beat that so-and-so to the only available parking space at a mall.
Underneath the hood, there's a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque it that offers the giddy up of many comparable V-6 engines. The only transmission is a 5-speed automatic, which is pretty smooth. There are two drivetrain choices, front and all-wheel-drive.
The EPA rating for the CR-V is 23 city/31 hwy/26 combined, so no frowns at the pumps.
What's the Final Say-So?
Overall, the 2012 Honda CR-V is a really good fit and great value for anyone looking for a compact SUV. It's a looker, handles like a trooper and is a definite one-size-fits all vehicle worth considering if you're in the market.
Courtesy of Examiner.com
No comments:
Post a Comment