By Keith Morgan
ItB次元官网网址檚 the words that condo dwellers like yours truly donB次元官网网址檛 want to hear from a manufacturer talking about a new model: B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 longer and wider!B次元官网网址�
Sigh. Those were the first words I noticed when reading the corporate bumph that accompanied the delivery of a recent tester, the 2023 Honda CR-V Sport.
WeB次元官网网址檙e not talking about half a metre in either direction; in fact the increases are just a few millimetres. However, it seems the five-passenger, five-door, compact crossover utes from every manufacturer have incrementally, if fractionally, grown with every update to the point where theyB次元官网网址檙e not fun to park in condo parkades or public parking lots. Just saying.
That beef aired, I wasnB次元官网网址檛 disappointed by the redesign of this C-ute, which is boxier in appearance and now more resembles a smaller version of larger sport utes. Honda was among the first to enter the CUV market and in doing so it has built a loyal following. A hybrid version is added this year, which is sure to appeal to the frugal and eco-conscious.
A comfortable ride
ItB次元官网网址檚 easy to get into for those with creaking bones. The redesigned 2023 model offers more rear legroom behind the pilot and the always-right B次元官网网址榥agivatorB次元官网网址� in the passenger seat.
Not that thereB次元官网网址檚 need of a human map reader anymore with just about every car now having a resident navigation system. I swear the B次元官网网址榲oiceB次元官网网址� is based on the human way-finder variety B次元官网网址� insistently telling me to B次元官网网址渢urn right, now!B次元官网网址�
The dash housing the programmable way-finder resembles that introduced to its stable mate Civic. The seven-inch touch screen display is half screen, half analogue gauge with one lovely concession to the old days: knobs to twiddle.
ItB次元官网网址檚 smaller than many rivals who imitate TeslaB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址榥ever mind the quality, feel the widthB次元官网网址� approach to such screens. DoesnB次元官网网址檛 bother me as IB次元官网网址檓 not planning to watch the latest Indiana Jones adventure on the screen. That said, the sound system would definitely make the best of the typical, booming Indiana soundtrack. A slightly bigger screen is available on the top-of-the line trims for those for which size matters.
Much appreciated is the stowage space front and back, designed for seasoned travellers to clutter. You could actually lose stuff. All right, some forgetful people could. In terms of space for cases and the Big Shop, the rear seats fold flat and thereB次元官网网址檚 ample space for a family trip for four.
Under the hood, thereB次元官网网址檚 an updated 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, power plant is standard, pumping out 190 horsepower. The Touring edition features a 204-hp, two-litre engine, matched to a hybrid system. Notable improvements are noise level reduction and more responsive Continually Variable auto transmission.
Some attention to the tuning of the suspension and steering contribute to a more comfortable ride and a better sense of control. Even when fully loaded the body doesnB次元官网网址檛 lurch noticeably in the corners.
All-wheel drive is standard. Thank goodness, given our terrain. There is a Snow drive mode which is more than welcome while venturing beyond the local mountains. Hill Descent Control is also now standard which will make driving on the steep descents present on many of our major interior highways less stressful.
The interestingly named Honda Sensing suite includes a number safety and driving aids, all advanced in utility by better cameras and radar. Blind-spot monitoring is standard, which is blessing. I figure turning oneB次元官网网址檚 head instead of relying purely on mirrors is a dying art. Just based on my observations of high-speed near misses on the freeway.
I must say a few weeks of extended time at the wheel showed the CR-V to be an ideal option for both growing families and seniors who still like to roam, sometimes with the grandkids. ItB次元官网网址檚 got multi-generational appeal.
Need to know:
Fuel economy for the Sport and sibling trims is 9.1/7.6 L/100 kms (city/hwy). The Touring hybrid version boasts an efficient 6/6.4 L/100 kms (city/hwy).
Price-wise, the base LX AWD starts at $39,540, the Sport costs $43,440 and the Hybrid jumps to $50,840 plus taxes.
keithrmorgan@hotmail.com
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