Canadian Driver: Inside Story: 2009 Honda CR-V EX-L

Inside Story is a review of interior comfort features, cabin controls, storage options, trunk space and under-hood accessibility based on a seven-day evaluation.

Review and photos by Michael Clark
Sniff! Sniff! I smell mini-van.

Something wickedly interesting has been coming this way for ‘utes, be they cute, brute, or otherwise. Hang on to your hats; we are witnessing the next evolution of the family truckster. It may not seem like much of a news flash for the latest incarnation of the Honda CR-V, until you start poking around inside, and poking around the primordial soup pond at other makes. Four-cylinder mills are becoming respectable choices. Second-row sunroofs? Power tailgates? “Station Wagon: The Next Generation” with a much-needed dash of mini-van sensibility. The Omni-ute?
While you wrestle with the philosophy, I’ll assess the CR-V EX-L edition, with an MSRP of $35,190. (Prices shown do not include freight, taxes, regional or promotional incentives.)

The CR-V’s three-spoke wheel provides tilt and telescoping positioning, with spoke-mounted tabs for audio and cruise control. The gauge pod is a crisp read, with average fuel economy metering, outside temperature, and digital bar sweeps for engine temperature and fuel level.

The driver’s door pod houses an auto Up/Down switch for the driver pane. Power mirrors and Vehicle Stability Assist controls are dash-mounted, to the left of the driver. The exterior mirrors are heated, when the electric defrost switch is engaged. EX-L trim adds the auto dual zone HVAC system. The audio head unit includes a six-CD stacker. The parking brake is a floor pedal mount, with no snag issues encountered, even with the positioning to the right-hand of the dead pedal support. The five-speed automatic is without a manu-gate, though the upper ranges can be locked out as required.

In the “Scratching Fingers Down Blackboard Department”, the sound of the rear wiper in heavy rain mimics the aural quality of the Tripods in the latest War of the Worlds rendering. This would be the sound that occurs right before unsuspecting humanoids are turned into instant coffee. Another continuing Honda sniggle is the omission of an auto detent for the headlamp switch.

Cubbies!
You know those gloveboxes that are like, two gloveboxes? The non-locking top unit includes a rubber anti-rattle pad, with the bottom locking storage overwhelmed by the owner’s lit. Note the handy Quick Start Guide, which every vehicle should possess. There is an abundance of storage portals, though many are open to prybar eyes. The front doors have a smaller coin-sized gully, which steps down to a larger pocket, next to a bottle-specific cavity. The rear doors have a Hot Wheels-sized gully, and a bottle holder. Below the HVAC controls are two open cubbies, plus a 12-volt DC powerpoint. An open flock-lined dash-mount cubby is found to the left of the driver.

The centre console has a definite van feel, separated from the centre stack. Cinchless cupholders draw redemption with good depth. A flip-top cubby next to the cups is perfect for cell phone stow. The rear compartment has a roll-top style door, with a rubber floor pad, 12-volt DC powerpoint, and the auxiliary audio input. Rear seatbacks are fitted with storage pockets, while the rear centre armrest reveals two cinchless cupholders.

Seat Treat
The driver’s seat gets eight-way power adjustment, plus a power lumbar bladder. Front seats enjoy two-step heating. Comfort is assured for rear seat passengers, with reclination available for all three seating positions. Fore and aft travel can make the difference for cargo conundrums that occur with a full suite of passengers.

The Overhead
Dim is the term best used to describe the omission of an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror at this price level. The sunglasses holder does double duty, with a conversation mirror detent. The darkness continues, with unlit vanity mirrors on no-slide visors. The auto sunroof uses a robust deflector. Future racking systems have plenty of attachment points.

Cargo Embargo
It would be easy to jump on the exclusion of a retractable cargo cover, until you discover the dual-deck cargo shelf system. When in place, the shelf provides additional top shelf stacking, and/or security for valuables. The shelf is simply stowed on top of the existing cargo floor footprint when not in use. Rear seatbacks can fold forward, or flip the entire seat as cargo requires. A third 12-volt DC powerpoint is found on the cargo area wall.

Spare Care
A full-sized temporary spare tire is housed below the cargo area floor, which needs to removed completely for access. Honda will change it for you, during the first three years of ownership, with no mileage limit.

The Mill
As most readers of this column know, engine placement and accessibility is a favourite topic. Not only is the 2.4-litre 166-horsepower four an accessibility treat for failure components, Honda will even let you check the automatic transmission fluid! Fuel consumption ratings are pegged at 10.7 litres per 100 km City, and 7.8 litres per 100 km Highway. During my test, which was Urban heavy, fuel economy settled in at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Not bad, considering the Real Time 4WD system underfoot.

The Verdict
When a vehicle has had a chance to shuffle through press fleets over a few years, it’s only proper that each and every auto scribe identify and assess the areas for improvement, which usually end up being addressed on the next gen. It can sometimes be a double-edged sword, when our favs are omitted on the next go-round. Note to the Honda CR-V “What’s Next Team”; sound-deadening material, and maybe a few more cubby covers is all that’s really needed, plus throw in features that are now expectations on higher-end models, such as the auto-dim mirror and Bluetooth. (Hey; why not put them together?) And pay close attention to the Omni-ute models now making a play for your market share, such as next week’s subject, the Toyota Venza.

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/08/06/inside-story-2009-honda-cr-v-ex-l.htm

Road Test: 2009 Honda CR-V EX

When the compact sport-utility vehicle (a.k.a. cute-ute) craze began, Honda and its compact CR-V was one of the first players to market. Back in 1997, it was an ungainly looking box that arrived with an anemic 128-horsepower engine, four-speed automatic transmission and the bare basics in terms of standard equipment. Since those early days, the CR-V has evolved into a comfortable crossover that is offered with as many or as few amenities as any potential owner might want or need.

Swing the CR-V's door open and there's a mechanical theme to the interior - the door pulls look like oversized con rods and there's some brushed metal-like trim on the doors, dash fascia and centre stack. The EX tester also came with most of the modern conveniences, everything from the usual power toys and air conditioning to a power sunroof and a 160-watt AM/FM/six-disc CD audio system. Mind you, if you want to plug in your iPod, it will cost $340 for the i-Linc accessory, not a bright idea when most other manufacturers offer it - along with Bluetooth - as standard equipment.

The CR-V driver's lot in life is hunky-dory. The manual seat height and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustments make it a snap to establish a comfortable driving position. The large side mirrors then eliminate the usual blind spots, which give the CR-V better than average sightlines. The combination makes piloting a CR-V through today's cramped urban environment a painless venture.

One of the most significant improvements in the new CR-V - and there are plenty of noteworthy upgrades - is the fact that the cargo door (which was hinged on the wrong side of the vehicle on the last- generation version) has been replaced by a proper liftgate that comes with a much needed washer and wiper. That might not seem like much, but not having to negotiate that dumb door whenever loading or unloading the vehicle curbside makes a big difference. The unspoken benefit is that when the liftgate is open it provides some welcome shelter from the elements.

The rest of the back end has been equally thought through. There's plenty of space - 35.7 cubic feet with the 60/40-split/folding rear seats upright and 72.9 cu. ft. with them flat - a flat floor, tie-downs to secure cargo and a handy privacy cover-cum-tray. The latter is a privacy cover when put in one position, and it allows two-tier storage when put in another. The CR-V would greatly benefit from an independently opening back glass and a fold-forward front passenger seat.

The CR-V comes with an invigorated 2.4-litre four- cylinder engine. Using Honda's i-VTEC system, it puts 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque at the driver's disposal. When fired through the five-speed automatic transmission, there's more than enough power to deliver a decent turn of speed. The CR-V clips off 100 kilometres an hour in 10.3 seconds and turns the 80-to-120-km/h passing move in 8.7 seconds. The transmission certainly helps matters as it keeps the free-revving engine in its sweet spot where it is happy to dish out its all. The fact the shifts are impeccable is a bonus.

From here, power reaches the road through Honda's optional Real Time four-wheel-drive system ($2,000), the one item in the CR-V that would benefit from an upgrade. While it is reasonably proficient at divvying up the power and sending it to where it can best be put to use, the initial wheelspin needed to initiate the transfer of power means the electronic traction/stability control system steps in too often.

Ride and handling in the CR-V is about as good as it gets in its segment. The amount of body roll is limited to a few degrees and, as soon as the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspensions take a set, the CR-V rides out a fast on-ramp with little drama. Likewise, the feel and feedback afforded by the steering is very good. At slow speeds, its light effort makes it easy to get into a tight spot, while at speed it delivers the right sort of feel and feedback.

The same applies to the anti-lock brakes. In the past, Honda's system has tended to dive in way too early. Now, the system only steps to the fore when needed. The system also provides short 41.8-metre stops from 100 km/h. The oversized P225/65R17 tires and the grip they deliver rounds out a decent package.

If capacity, comfort and utility are the prime drivers behind a potential purchase, the CR-V EX nicely fits the bill. There is a ton of usable space, plenty of comfort and most of the right toys. It also handles well, has plenty of pep and delivers surprisingly good fuel economy - my test average for the week averaged 10.2 litres per 100 km.

The Specs:
Type of vehicle: Four-wheel-drive compact SUV
Engine: 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder
Power: 166 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 161 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: P265/65R17
Price: base/as tested: $27,790/$32,690
Destination charge $1,560
Transport Canada :fuel economy L/100 km: 10.7 city, 7.8 hwy.
Standard features: Manual air conditioning with filtration, power locks,

windows and heated mirrors, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, cloth upholstery, manual driver's seat height adjustment, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power sunroof, rear washer/wiper, trip computer, outside temperature and average fuel consumption readouts, privacy glass, retractable centre tray table, under-seat storage bin, remote entry, engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control system.

Source;
http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=1596278

Road Test: 2009 Honda CR-V EX-L

Compact and efficient
Anne Proffit, Canadian Auto Press Published: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The Honda CR-V "cute ute" has certainly grown up. The CR-V has become a sophisticated compact crossover sport utility vehicle whose calling cards include safety, versatility, comfort, convenience and cargo space, not to mention secure and sprightly handling.

The exterior aesthetics of the CR-V are more muscularly rounded than in the past; it has true haunches with the promise of off-road capability. The CR-V's long vertical tail lamps exude urbane style and design cleanliness. This vehicle has matured and appears almost ready to go anywhere. Interior design is purposeful and businesslike; the CR-V is easy to live with and to use for multiple purposes.

With its great build quality and well-sourced materials, the 2009 Honda CR-V leads its class in just about every category. As with most Honda vehicles, there are delineations as to what you get when you decide on one iteration of the five-seater CR-V model or another; this review concentrates on the top dog of the CR-V lineup, the CR-V EX-L 4WD with built-in navigation system.

Dressed in a delightful Green Tea metallic with ivory seating inside, the 2009 Honda CR-V EX-L Navigation model I tested had all the bells and whistles you could possibly want. These include the voice-recognition navigation system with a rearview camera that assists in the already excellent rearward vision. There are leather-trimmed sets and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Honda fits a terrific six-CD audio system that produces outstanding sound quality throughout the cabin, and features jacks for your MP3 player plus XM satellite radio with three months complimentary service.

There is dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, a driver's power seat with lumbar controls (the passenger's is manual), heated front seats with armrests, rear seats that slide fore and aft and have their own folding centre armrest should only four people be onboard. The CR-V fits folks of all sizes; a 6-foot-5 friend fit well in both front and back. The rear seats have a 60/40 fold that allows cargo space to increase from 1,011 to 2,064 litres (35.7 to 72.8 cu ft), with the rear seats folded by using a set of handy straps.

Power windows and door locks are standard on the 2009 CR-V EX-L 4WD, which comes equipped with Honda's Real Time 4-wheel-drive system. Nice touches abound: the driver's window is one-touch in both directions, as is the tilt/slide power sunroof. Parents will like the conversation mirror in the central sunglasses holder that allows them to keep a watchful eye on younger rear seat occupants.

The 2009 Honda CR-V EX-L 4WD Navigation is 4,518 mm long, 1,820 mm wide 1,680 mm tall and rides on a 2,620 mm wheelbase (that's 177.9 inches long, 71.6 inches wide and 66.1 inches tall on a 103.1-inch wheelbase). It has an 11.5-metre (37.8-foot) turning circle, ground clearance of 185 mm (7.3 inches) for easy ingress/egress and weighs an estimable 1,612 kilos (3,554 lbs). This newest CR-V version is safer than previous models, in part because Honda placed the spare tire under the hatch floor rather than attaching it to the rear door as it has done in the past. This is also more convenient, as the hatch lifts easily and gets out of the way when loading, while providing a protective cover in the rain, while the old hinged door was awkward and cumbersome, not to mention that it opened the wrong way (designed for Japanese roads where people drive on the other side) and therefore made loading large items difficult while parallel parked.

There are dual stage front airbags and side airbags for the CR-V's front seat occupants, while side curtain airbags at all corners protect five occupants, thanks to rollover sensors. Honda achieved five-star ratings for front and side crashes and four stars in rollover testing. For active safety, Honda fits vehicle stability assist (which can be turned off if desired), all-wheel antilock brakes, active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system.

There is a 12-volt plug at the base of the centre stack (with cubbies to the side and below), one in the sliding central storage bin and a third under the cover of the rear hatch. The CD changer is located next to the front cupholders, rather than behind or under the navigation system. There is a closeable alcove above the glovebox for added storage.

The driver looks at a pair of simple, blue-rimmed instruments with easily legible numbers (white on black). The tachometer is on the left and the speedometer on the right, with digital fuel and temperature readouts between the two main instruments, together with a status monitor for the doors and the trip computer above that.

Fuel consumption ratings for the CRV are 10.7/7.8 L/100km (city/highway), and regular fuel is just fine. During my time with the CR-V EX-L 4WD I managed to achieve 8.6 L/100km from the 60 litre (15.3 gallon) tank in general use, both around town and over the road. The CR-V should be able to go 680 to 725 highway kilometres (425 to 450 highway miles) between fill-ups.

The powerplant behind such good mileage is Honda's 2.4-litre DOHC 16-valve I-VTEC 4-cylinder rated at 166-horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 161 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, using a drive-by-wire throttle system. Like most Honda engines, it loves to rev and does so quite confidently. It is a wee bit underpowered for such a heavy little SUV, but not a hindrance. Honda places the shifter for the five-speed automatic transmission (with grade logic) rally-style, so that it is an easy reach from the steering wheel.

MacPherson front strut and rear multi-link suspensions keep the seven-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels (with Bridgestone Dueler H/T P225/65R17 tires) firmly planted, and Honda's delightfully precise variable assist rack-and-pinion steering has no slop to it and is on-centre. The whole CR-V package is lithe, yet very business-like in everything it does over the road. With its short wheelbase, the CR-V doesn't have the most compliant ride but it does handle road ruts without irritability.

While the hatch has struts to hold it in place, the hood uses a post, but it isn't terribly heavy to lift. All fills are easily accessed underneath too; it's easy to notice, from that vantage point, that all seams are well finished and evenly matched. Just knowing the solid construction gives a firm feeling of security when driving this small SUV.

If there were a wish list for Honda's class-leading compact crossover, the CR-V EX-L 4WD Navigation could use a manual mode for its shifter, together with automatic headlamps. I would also like a tad more power to propel the heft. Those are minor issues, especially when one considers that the CR-V goes 100,000 miles between tune-ups and has a reputation for longevity. A friend's CR-V has seen use at farmers markets since 2000 and has more than 250,000 miles on the odometer!

Honda knows its clientele and takes good care of its regular customers. If one's needs tend toward light-duty off-road capabilities, but a large SUV is out of the question, the 2009 CR-V EX-L 4WD Navi is a great choice.

Source;
http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=1562023

Autonet: 2009 Honda CRV Review

Here's a link to a nice review on the 2009 Honda CRV;
http://www.autonet.ca/autos/search/testdrives/2009/01/21/8101886-autonet.html