Honda’sNew ComfortableRunabout Vehicle

The all-new fourth generation Honda CR-V is not only a Stylish Urban Vanity, it is also a good Sport Utility Vehicle

In the early 2000s when the Indian car market was seeing a shift from small hatchbacks to mid-size sedans—Hyundai Accent, Ford Ikon, Honda City were getting popular—on the other end of the segment a petrol SUV was becoming fashionable to own and run (despite the fact that petrol and SUVs haven't historically gone together in India). It was in 2003 when Honda introduced in India the second generation CR-V, which, although not a looker, was 'different' from the Accords, Camrys and Sonatas on the road—essentially, the cars that signified you've 'arrived' in life. Just that with the CR-V, you arrived a little more!

But this was before premium diesel SUVs—Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Captiva and then the mighty successful Toyota Fortuner—entered the market. Soon, the CR-V started losing its sheen. In 2006 Honda launched the third generation CR-V, but it couldn't do much either. The problem essentially was, and remains, the fuel—diesel. Now, even though Honda still hasn't taken the diesel route, the company has introduced the fourth generation CR-V in India, which, it hopes, will give Honda another standing in the Indian premium SUV market.

First impression

The new CR-V has an aggressive SUV stance with deep sculpting of the body lines and a bold front fascia, highlighted by a sporty chrome grille and sleek, wraparound projector headlamps with washer. The aerodynamic design is carried to the rear and the rear glass has been sculpted to look as wide as possible. The vertical rear combination lamp comes with a new theme for the new CR-V with a three-dimensional style that augments the design and aerodynamics of the vehicle. The SUV also sports a shark fin antenna that further accentuates the aero form. It rides on large 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and bold fender flares emphasise the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability. It looks quite good and many SUV owners stopped to inquire about the new CR-V during the two days I had it with me in Delhi. On the downside, almost all inquired whether it comes with a diesel option or not, and when replied in the negative, their disappointment was apparent.

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