2011 Honda CR-V Review
Price
RM145,948
Installment
RM1,392/mth
2011 Honda CR-V at a glance
The 2011 Honda CR-V offers a complete package, with the solid cabin construction and ride refinement being the two strongest points. The practicality, good running costs and able on-road handling are notable too.
2011 Honda CR-V quick specs
| Body Style | SUV |
| Class | Mid-size Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Honda CR-V ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Looks nice from the side, and fine from the back, but the front is too subjective to call. Some may find it unique, but we find the “gaping mouth” to be distasteful. The 2011 Honda CR-V is certainly striking enough to turn heads, just hopefully for the right reasons. With much more curves than the boxy design of old, the exterior looks more modern, although it also lost some muscularity along the way.
Handling
Built for the roads than the mud, the 2011 Honda CR-V handles decently on-road for a mid-size SUV. Driving dynamics are comfort-focused than sporty, while the high SUV seating position and body bulk hamper any real driving fun. That said, the well-contained body roll and the light, precise steering are commendable. The real-time four-wheel drive system remains largely in front-wheel drive, with power going to all four wheels when more grip is needed.
Comfort
Ride quality and refinement are essential to comfort, and the 2011 Honda CR-V does well in both. The compliant ride cruises smoothly over most surfaces, rarely troubled. Engine, wind and road noise are subdued, providing a refined, quiet environment for miles-crunching. Multiple adjustments for seat and steering make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Outward visibility is mostly good, but for the relatively thick rear pillars. All functions can be operated with ease through the neatly-placed controls.
Quality + Reliability
Honda rarely disappoints in the quality department and so the 2011 Honda CR-V proves. A mixture of premium materials and some hard plastics is used across the dashboard, while the fit-and-finish are nicely done. Overall, we expect the solid assembly and sturdy mechanics to uphold Honda's excellent reliability record.
Performance
The 2011 Honda CR-V comes with a 16-valve SOHC 2.0-litre i-VTEC, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. With 148 bhp and 190 Nm, the performance feels adequate for most on-road purposes. Like all Honda engines, the 2.0-litre is smooth-revving, with the i-VTEC boosting performance at higher rpm. The five-speed automatic shifts smoothly, but can be reluctant to downshift for that injection of pace.
Roominess
There is plenty of head- and leg-room for front and rear occupants, and the boot is large and well-shaped. To better utilise interior space, Max Cargo, Full-flat, Utility, and Centre Armrest-through are four modes where the seats can be slid or folded according to needs. A proper tailgate is now used in place of the previous side-hinged door, allowing better boot access. Practicality is one area where Honda has obviously spent effort engineering, to very good effect.
Running Costs
The 2011 Honda CR-V has running costs lower than for comparable mid-size SUVs. Fuel economy is excellent, while maintenance bills and depreciation should be reasonable. Honda models are highly reliable, which should lower the servicing and repair costs in the long run. Wearing the Honda badge means strong residual values, which are perhaps only surpassed by Toyota models.
Value for Money
There is little doubt that the 2011 Honda CR-V offers good value. Its price tag, however, is higher than comparable rivals' such as the Naza Sorento, Kia Sportage, Nissan X-Trail and Suzuki Grand Vitara. The Toyota Rush could be on buyers' radar for the lower price and two more seats. Even given the multitude of options in this segment, we still think that the 2011 Honda CR-V justifiably commands the premium, and from the sheer number of CRVs on the roads, many Malaysians think so too.
Equipment
The 2011 Honda CR-V is fitted as standard with 17" alloy wheels, door mirror with side turn light, front fog light, dual-zone air-conditioner, six speakers, tilt/telescopic leather steering wheel, keyless entry system, Vehicle Information Display (VID), cruise control, steering wheel audio control, and integrated audio with six-CD changer (MP3 & WMA compatible). Safety kit includes dual SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), front pretensioner seatbelts, and active headrests.
Environment
For those who strive to maintain a “green” lifestyle, or at least the image of one, but still yearn the presence of a SUV, the 2011 Honda CR-V addresses your concern head-on by offering class-leading fuel economy and carbon dioxide emission level. In a segment where environmental awareness could be very low on the list, Honda stands out with the CR-V's green credentials.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Ride quality and refinement
Solid construction
Space and practicality
Controversial styling
Some rivals have seven seats
Limited off-road ability
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