Honda CR-V 2.0 SE+ 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The CR-V's 2.0-litre petrol engine develops 148bhp and 142lb-ft of torque. This translates into a 0-62mph time of 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 118mph which is perfectly adequate for a car of this type. However, the engine has to work hard to haul the CR-V around and this affects refinement.

The steering is a bit wooly but the CR-V's excellent suspension not only cushions bumps but also limits body-roll through the corners.

The CR-V looks incredibly bland. It's not ugly, it's just not a car you'd look twice at.

You do get quite a lot of standard kit, however, and the CR-V comes fitted with alloy wheels, air-con, electric windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a CD player with MP3 connectivity. You also get part alcantra seats which improves the quality of the cabin somewhat.

Climate control, Bluetooth and sat-nav are all unavailable on this model.

The CR-V is getting a bit long in the tooth and, as such, achieved only four stars in the Euro NCAP tests which is pretty poor for a car of this size. You do get a full suite of airbags and driver aids included as standard though.

The CR-V is very spacious with 556-litres of luggage space on offer with the rear seats up and 955-litres on offer with the rear seats folded down.

Honda make incredibly reliable cars and the CR-V has so far proven itself to be a trustworthy machine. You get a 3 year/90,000 mile warranty which is reassuring.

At £22,585, this is the cheapest CR-V currently on the market and represents relatively good value for money.

The running costs will be quite high thanks to the CR-V's thirsty petrol engine and you'll struggle to top 34mpg. CO2 emissions of 190g/km also mean high road tax costs under VED band J. The diesel models in the range make much more sense in a car like the CR-V and offer lower running costs, albeit at a higher initial purchase price.