Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC EX road test

The new Honda CR-V is set for launch in the UK later this year but what if you fancy getting your hands on the outgoing model?

Well, what you are sure to get is a bargain as well as a robust load-lugger with enough space to carry you and your family in comfort.

The CR-V is a fairly understated 4x4 and for good reason. This model is the fourth-generation CR-V which was introduced in 2007. Back then it was a strong competitor in the soft-roader category but it has now been outgunned by newer, more advanced rivals offering state-of-the-art technology and, more importantly, lower emissions and better fuel economy.

We tested the top specification 2.2 i-DTEC EX manual version of the CR-V that comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, a rear-view parking camera, a multi-function steering wheel, sat-nav, power-folding mirrors and a host of other goodies that might justify the fairly substantial £30,000-plus asking price.

Although this particular model is not short on kit, it is short on plenty of other things that will most likely make you look elsewhere.

For a start it’s not that great to drive. The 2.2-litre 146bhp diesel feels short of grunt even though the official 0-62mph time reads 9.6 seconds. The engine's noisy too, especially when you are trying to make rapid getaways.

It’s not bad when it’s cruising but there are other more refined 4x4s that you would go for including the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander. Even cheaper models such as the Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga, Hyundai ix35 and the Volkswagen Tiguan are better on the road.  

The CR-V is not that much fun around the corners either: there’s too much body lean. Thankfully the ride is compliant enough to make motorway driving a comfortable experience.

Inside it’s a little drab and the seats are short of cushioning. Fortunately the panoramic roof lets enough light in to brighten the cabin up. The interior plastics leave a lot to be desired and the 556-litre boot that extends to 955 litres with the rear seats down is adequate but not earth-shattering when you consider the load space offered by rivals.

What you do get is the promise of Honda reliability and reasonable servicing costs, although those affordable maintenance bills will be offset by the amount of fuel you will consume on normal runs. Official stats say you should average 43.5mpg but we achieved no more than 35mpg when we tested the car.

CO2 emissions are fairly high too, at 171g/km, putting the CR-V in the costly road tax band H. That means you'll pay £195 a year for road tax.

So, as a package the CR-V doesn’t exactly impress but this is a time to bag yourself a bargain and make the most of the current CR-V’s outgoing status.

We found the 2.2 i-DTEC EX manual being offered by internet broker New Car Discount for £24,322. That represents a massive discount of £5,783 off the list price. That slightly outstripped the £5,388 discount offered at Discounted New Cars, also a great deal.

Clearly then you will get a lot of car for around £24,000-£25,000. Expect the new CR-V to be around £1,000 more expensive, so if you are prepared to put up with a few of the current model’s inadequacies you could save yourself a lot of money for a reliable, robust 4x4 that will serve you well for many years.

The Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC EX is available to order now, with a list price of £30,105.

Also consider:

Land Rover Freelander

Nice to drive, a quality interior, great off-road and with stop/start it has acceptable CO2 emissions and decent fuel economy.

BMW X3

Capable handling and a classy interior. A little more on the expensive side but well worth considering.

Kia Sportage 

The budget option but no less capable. The interior plastics are a little cheap but this is a stylish-looking 4x4 with affordable running costs.