Honda CR-V 2.2i-DTEC SE+ 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
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List Price: £25,095
Tax Band: H
Insurance Group: 28
MPG: 43.5
CO2: 171
0-62 Mph: 9.6 secs
BHP: 148 BHP
Range: 555 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.5/5
The Honda CR-V 2.2i-DTEC SE+ is a decent car, offering plenty of interior space and relatively low running costs. However, we fail to see the point of the CR-V and if you're just looking for a family car, there are much better and cheaper options elsewhere.

PROS:  Reliable, durable, practical, reasonably economical

CONS:  Limited off-road capabilities, noisy engine, bland image

Behind the Wheel

The Honda CR-V 2.2i-DTEC SE+ is fitted with a 2.2-litre diesel engine which produces 148bhp and 258lb-ft of torque. It's a good engine and is much more suited to the CR-V than the petrol unit. 0-62mph takes 9.6 seconds, making it quicker than the petrol, and you'll be out of puff at 118mph.

The CR-V handles surprisingly well for a such a large car with very little body roll through the corners. The ride is also very comfortable thanks to excellent suspension. However, refinement is an issue and a fair amount of engine noise makes its way into the cabin.

Looks & Equipment

The CR-V cuts a relatively attractive profile but is almost instantly forgettable. This is forgivable in most cars but the only reason you'd buy a soft-roader is to stand out from the crowd and the CR-V just doesn't.

It's not quite as well specified as some of the other models in the range either. You get alloys, air-con, electric windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors, part alcanta seats and a CD player with MP3 connectivity. You can specify metallic paint for £490 but climate control, sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity are unavailable altogether.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

Honda build their cars like no other manufacturer and they are renowned for their bank-vault build quality. You'd have to be very unlucky to have serious problems with the CR-V but in the unlikely event that this is the case, Honda supply a three year/90,000 mile warranty.

The CR-V is getting on a bit and scored only four stars in the Euro NCAP tests which is mediocre for a large car such as this. You do get a full suite of airbags and driver aids included as standard though.

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

Value for Money

At £24,550, it is disappointing that Honda fails to provide a few more goodies such as Bluetooth and sat-nav and, as such, the purchase price could be seen as a bit steep.

However, the 2.2i-DTEC's diesel engine means that running costs are much lower than in the petrol model. You should average 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 171g/km mean that the CR-V falls under VED band H which is actually pretty reasonable for a car of this size.

Honda CR-V 2.2i-DTEC SE+ 5dr Car Review - by 
All Honda CR-V Reviews
Honda CR-V 2.0 SE+ 5dr - March 2012
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Honda CR-V 2.0 SE+ T Auto 5dr - February 2012
The Honda CR-V is a 4x4 that has been designed for use on the road mainly, and this means its suspension is a little softer and more forgiving than those built for regular off road use. The vehicl...
Honda CR-V 2.0 ES-T 5dr - March 2012
The Honda CR-V 2.0 ES-T 5dr is well equipped, comfortable and blessed with Honda's rock-solid reputation for reliability. However, it's pricey to run, dull to behold and uninspiring to drive.
Honda CR-V 2.0 EX with Advanced Safety Pack 5dr - March 2012
The CR-V 2.0 EX with Advanced Safety Pack is a decent soft-roader which offers plenty of practicality, a nice driving experience and superb Honda build quality, all for a reasonable price. It's hop...
Honda CR-V 2.2i-DTEC SE+ 5dr - March 2012
The Honda CR-V 2.2i-DTEC SE+ is a decent car, offering plenty of interior space and relatively low running costs. However, we fail to see the point of the CR-V and if you're just looking for a fami...
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Small 4x4 Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Small 4x4 cars that you can then compare to the Honda CR-V. Here are some popular Honda CR-V alternatives:

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