CROSS REFERENCE (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_hondac-rv_270510

By Andy Enright

Introductionword count: 200

In the real world, the way people use their compact SUVs is resolutely road-based. Most such motorists would probably think 'green laning' was keeping at an economical 65mph on the slow lane of a motorway. Honda, more than any other car maker, is a company that lives in the real world, designing its products to suit. Cars like this one, the improved third generation CR-V, continue a design approach based on bettering rivals where it counts. An easy way to irritate Honda's PR machine has always been to call this car a '4x4', even though all three of its generations, the 1997 MK1, the 2002 MK2 and this 2006 MK3, have all been all-wheel driven. The brand doesn't even like the term 'SUV', though it can hardly avoid that when listing this car's direct rivals as Land Rover's Freelander and Toyota's RAV4. Both were substantially improved following the original introduction of the third generation version of this Honda, so by 2010, this CR-V had to up its game too with a mild facelift and a fresh diesel engine that could be ordered with the auto gearbox that so many buyers wanted. Here's how to track down a decent used example.

Modelsword count: 6

5dr compact 4x4 (2.2 diesel [Juro])

Historyword count: 263

The Honda CR-V has established a profitable position for itself in the compact SUV / Crossover marketplace ever since the first generation car arrived in 1997. If anything, this Japanese maker's offering was ahead of its time in that it made little pretence of being any good in the rough stuff. Instead, it concentrated on providing customers with a high level of ride and handling on the road, plus a family-friendly interior design. The second generation model of 2002 barely deviated from this formula and neither did this Mk3 design. It was just that by the time the third generation version was launched in 2006, the public were far better catered for with regard to small road-biased 4x4s. So the CR-V had a fight on its hands. The MK3 model arrived in December 2006 with a pair of engines, one petrol and one diesel, and a trio of trim levels. Its key rivals were the Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV-4, two models that had been major players in the compact 4x4 market for a long time. Before too long, however, CR-V customers also had the likes of Citroen's C-Crosser, Peugeot's 4007, Mitsubishi's Outlander, Vauxhall's Antara, Chevrolet's Captiva, Renault Koleos, Volkswagen's Tiguan and the Ford Kuga to consider. Choice for the compact 4x4 customer had reached a zenith. Honda responded with a 2010 refresh which featured a cleaner, more powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine, an automatic gearbox option for diesel models as well as revised exterior styling. This model sold well right through to the car's replacement, which was unveiled in the Autumn of 2012.

What You Getword count: 365

Visually, there aren't too many differences with this revised third generation model. The changes amount to a fresh front bumper and grille, a revised rear bumper, smarter alloy wheels and colour coded bumpers on plusher versions. But then, not too many changes were needed. This MK3 design was, after all, quite a step forward from its predecessor, with a lighter, wider but slightly shorter bodyshell claimed to be 85% stiffer. It was sleeker too, without traditionally clumsy SUV styling cues such as a side-opening tailgate with a great big spare wheel stuck on the back. Who needs that? This revised shape also managed to be more spacious inside, though unlike some rivals, it couldn't accommodate a third row of seats. Still, the rear seats you do get are set high to offer occupants a good view. There's plenty of legroom too, which you can extend by sliding them back and forth to maximise either passenger or luggage space. The backrest even reclines to really let rear passengers flake out on longer trips. When not required, said seats (which split 60:40 at the base and 40:20:40 at the back) can be tumbled forwards and stowed upright to create a space big enough for a pair of mountain bikes. You won't even need to remove their front wheels. Extra versatility is served up with a neat 'Double Deck' luggage storage system created by a shelf that can take weights of up to 10kg and sits just over a foot off the load floor. This hinged slab allows luggage below to remain easily accessible but out of view. At the wheel where everything falls easily to hand, there are an assortment of cubbyholes and segments for cabin storage. Honda hopes you'll notice the upgraded fabrics and plastics of this improved model, giving the CR-V interior a more premium finish. A slicker audio console design features too, though there are still a lot of fiddly buttons to familiarise yourself with on the multi-function steering wheel. Still, the improved sound deadening around the engine and cabin is welcome and, along with nice touches like the front seat armrests, makes this car an even quieter and more relaxing car to drive.

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