Honda CR-V 2005 Review

What we liked
>> Smooth punchy engine
>> Spacious and practical interior
>> Quick power transfer to rear wheels

Not so much
>> Road noise when off road
>> Head room tight in rear
>> Conservative styling

OVERVIEW
The 2005 styling, equipment and safety upgrade aims to reverse that downward trend and tell customers that it is in fact more than a bit capable off road.

The 2005 CR-V gets a bolder look front on with larger headlights each side of the more aggressive chrome ringed grille. A larger bonnet and redesigned bumper give the nose a more prominent look in line with the aforementioned grille and headlight changes. On the range topping CR-V Sport a pair of round fog lights are mounted in the bumper.

The changes at the rear are limited to a tidied up rear bumper that now includes slim reflectors. The huge tail lights are still mounted on the roof pillars but get new clear indicator lenses at the top. In all, it’s a mid life freshen up that retains the CR-Vs distinctive (if conservative) styling and adds a few ‘butch’ styling cues.

FEATURES
On the equipment front both CR-V models get steering wheel-mounted controls for the standard cruise control and four speaker in dash AM/FM tuner and CD player. The up spec CR-V Sport gains a six stack in dash CD with MP3 capability. The instruments get a freshen up too with titanium surrounds and more legible graphics. An outside temperature display and instantaneous fuel consumption are both new additions.

Likewise a new luggage cover has been added to both models of CR-V as has a security alarm/immobilizer and key mounted remote locking. The rear seat headrests have been re-profiled to tear drop style and hinder rear vision very little.

There are no changes to the 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine, but an electronic drive-by-wire throttle significantly improves response when matched with the new optional 5-speed automatic transmission. The CR-V Sport gains an electric sunroof and body-colour bumpers and mirrors to set it apart on the school run.

The old model CR-V experienced almost a half wheel rotation before its ‘real time ‘ four wheel drive system kicked in. Honda says it has cut the engagement time by 50 per cent with the adoption of a one-way ball cam and pilot clutch. Certainly on our test at an off road course the CR-V felt much more surefooted than its predecessor which we drove over the same course.

COMFORT
The amount of space inside the CR-V makes it a usable five passenger wagon with easy access to all seating positions and three point belts provided for each passenger. All models get a front seat back pocket, two 12V power outlets (one in the luggage area) and a new luggage area cover. Tailgate open warning light, outside temperature readout and instantaneous fuel consumption gauges have been added to the dashboard. An easy to operate and good quality stereo system with four speakers is standard on all models.

The Sport gets an in dash six stacker with MP3 capability. Steering wheel switches for the stereo and cruise control (now available with manual transmission) are well placed and intuitive to use.

You can option leather trim into the CR-V sport for a very reasonable $1500. As in the previous model the CR-V features a very handy and useful lift out picnic table that will prove its worth on a kid’s sports day. The rear tailgate opens sideways and incorporates a separate rear window for dumping the shopping when in a tight space. Vision is excellent in all directions and the new lower profile rear seat headrests and rear door mounted spare wheel make those rear parking manoeuvres that little bit easier.

SAFETY
All models of the CR-V get anti-lock brakes with EBD electronic brakeforce distribution and driver/passenger airbags, but you have to go for the Sport model to get side airbags. All five seats get three point seat belts with the front belts and buckles having pretensioners.

There are three easy to locate and use child safety seat attachment points and a warning chime will indicate if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. Externally there is a high mounted rear stop light and larger 300mm discs up front and interesting larger 305mm at the rear. The obvious safety benefits of the increased grip and stability of four wheel drive get boosted by the quicker acting system fitted to the 2005 CR-V.

MECHANICAL
The new dual pump four wheel drive system uses a clever one way ball cam and pilot clutch to deliver at least 50 per cent quicker engagement once the system detects any wheel slip. When there is no slip detected the power transfer rearward is zero and up to 40 per cent when loss of traction is experienced. The smooth and responsive engine generates 118kW/ 220Nm as in the previous CR-V.

A new five speed automatic is optional across the range over the standard five speed manual. The only other change of note is the adoption of 16 inch steel or alloy wheels and larger brake discs front and rear.

COMPETITORS
Priced from $31,990 for the entry level CR-V manual to $40,290 for the CR-V Sport leather the CRV is right in the thick of one of the most competitive sectors of the market. The CR-V faces nineteen competitors, but its main competition comes from the Nissan X-Trail, Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Rav4.

The Rav4 won the sales race (just) in 2004 with the X-Trail a very close second. Both these vehicles play on their ‘off road’ ability and its here that the CR-V claims new found ability by virtue of its dual pump four wheel drive system. Increasingly small car buyers are looking at these compact wagons as a smarter alterative as the added space and practicality wins them over.

ON THE ROAD
The previous model CR-V often struggled to get its power down effectively in poor traction conditions with torque steer and understeer being present more than we liked. The mechanical revisions now mean the transfer of power rearwards is much quicker and smoother. The system has been tuned to deliver a quicker response when taking off from slippery intersections or accelerating through corners.

Acceleration and hill climbing on loose surfaces was better than we remembered on the previous model. One of the benefits of the CR-V being a Japanese vehicle is that the system is developed for driving on snow. This will no doubt appeal to the lifestyle buyers out there. A slight reduction in the number of turns lock to lock and increased diameter stabilizer bars give the CR-V an improved feel and stability on the road.

Off the road: A criticism of the previous CR-V was that the delay before four wheel drive engaged. We tried the CR-V over the same course as we tested its predecessor in June 2004 and it performed even better with only a loss of traction under very severe conditions. The plentiful ground clearance, wheel articulation, good approach/departure angles and external vision help when you go off the beaten track.

There is a lack of noise insulation when driving on loose. Honda say that the new one way ball cam and pilot clutch make the CR-V a more capable off-roader. Honda Australia Director Lindsay Smalley even went as far as to say the 2005 CR-V now “has balls”. I might not go that far, but it is certainly a much more capable and convincing proposition off road than the previous model.