Insurance Group: 29
MPG: 38.2
CO2: 195
0-62 Mph: 10.6 secs
BHP: 148 BHP
Range: 487 miles
PROS: Comfortable, spacious, reliable
CONS: The automatic gearbox harms performance and fuel economy
The CR-V's 2.2-litre diesel engine is pretty good, developing 148bhp at 4000rpm and 258lb-ft of torque at 2000rpm. It feels relatively punchy and propels you from 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 116mph. It should be worth noting that the automatic gearbox fitted to this model blunts performance slightly.
Through the bends the CR-V is competent but unspectacular. The steering is a little numb but the car rides very well thanks to good suspension which also limits body roll. The engine likes to make its presence known and is always audible within the cabin.
As the top-of-the-range CR-V, the 2.2i-DTEC EX comes with full leather seats rather than the alcantra/leather blend fitted to the lowlier models.
You also get a very impressive amount of standard equipment. Alloy wheels, climate control, electric windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors, sat-nav, Bluetooth and a CD player with MP3 connectivity all come as standard.
The CR-V is not a bad looking car, just a bit bland - a common criticism of Hondas.
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.
The CR-V is nearing the end of its life and has been with us for five years now. It is therefore not as safe as its more modern rivals, achieving only four stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests.
Hondas are generally very reliable and the CR-V should be no exception. You get a 3 year/90,000 mile warranty which is reassuring.
The CR-V 2.2i-DTEC EX with Advanced Safety Pack Auto 5dr is very expensive at £33,120. You do get a lot of equipment included as standard but many buyers are going to be tempted by cars from more prestigous marques.
The fitment of an automatic gearbox also raises running costs. You'll only get 38.2mpg as opposed to the manual's 43.5mpg. CO2 emissions also take a jump from 171g/km up to 195g/km. This means the CR-V falls under VED band J. Insurance will also be quite costly under insurance group 29.
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