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EASY BEING GREEN
Want a safe set of wheels with plenty space but don’t want to gas-guzzle? Then the new Honda CR-V could be for you, says Guy Bird.
Unless you regularly plough fields, confessing to driving a 4x4 right now in certain polite parenting circles can lead to instant pariah status – despite the fact that most of those shaking their heads dismissively still enjoy regular cheap flights and have no concept of a properly lagged boiler.
Long and short, a 4x4 shaped car is a visible target for eco warriors to aim at. Trouble is, like most things in life it’s not that simple. Not all 4x4s are the same – some have frugal engines, some are lighter than others, some bigger some smaller etc. If you still like the look of a 4x4 – not to mention the excellent high driving position for a safer view of the road –need space for a growing family and better traction on or off-road once in awhile, there is a solution: the new Honda CR-V.
Honda was the first to offer a hybrid vehicle and came late to the diesel market because it wanted to make a really clean engine – which it duly |
This review from FQ MAGAZINE March 2007
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did. The resulting 2.2 i-CDTi, in the much more curvaceous and stylish new CR-V, is simply one of the best diesel units around. It doesn’t stutter and stall around town, is smooth and quiet on long motorway hauls – and has great economy and emissions, offering 43.5mpg and emitting just 173 grammes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometre (g/km).
Get used to the last two measurements, as soon most motoring taxes will be assessed on CO2. The gas already decides how much company car tax and annual road tax you pay and could soon be extended to graduated road charging, parking permits and future variable congestion charging too.
Luckily, the diesel CR-V is about the best 4x4 you can buy from most perspectives and especially an environmental one. And not only compared to other |
SUVs either. It’s smaller in size than a Ford Mondeo and emits less CO2 than all petrol-engined versions of the Vauxhall Zafira mini-MPV.
It also has a three-star rating for pedestrian safety from industry experts EuroNCAP as well as five stars for occupant and four stars for child seat safety. Roll in the sort of gadgetry normally reserved for upmarket luxury saloons – including lane departure alerts, and ‘collision mitigation systems where the car will brake to reduce crash severity if you fail to. Add the usual leather seats, climate control and a clever split-level capacious boot, and you’ve got a car that can cope with all seasons without its owner being accused of killing the planet.
Price £26,700
Engine 140bhp 2.2
Top Speed 116mph
0-60 10.3secs
Economy 43.5mpg
CO2 emissions 173g/km (Band E)
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