BUYER'S GUIDE: Honda CR-V

FROM £20,000 Family SUV is a fine all-rounder, although it doesn't come cheap

- 

IT'S almost three decades since the original Honda CR-V was unveiled. Launched in 1995, it was Honda's first in-house SUV, and it was available with an optional boot-mounted shower, but only with a petrol engine. The car proved hugely popular, and Honda built on this success with an all-new CR-V in 2001, which was available with diesel power for the first time.

By the time the fifth-generation CR-V arrived in 2018, it was available with seven seats and a hybrid powertrain. But this year the CR-V Mk5 will be superseded by a bigger model, leaving a smaller ZR-V to fill the space left by the outgoing CR-V - a car that still has lots to offer, despite its age.

History THE fifth generation of the CR-V went on sale in the UK in November 2018, with a choice of four trim levels, but only one engine: a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol unit rated at 170bhp. This was available with a choice of front or all-wheel drive, with the latter transmission offered with manual or automatic gearboxes; all front-wheeldrive cars came with a manual gearbox.

Within three months the line-up had been boosted by the addition of a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain option. This was offered only with an automatic transmission, but once again buyers were able to choose between front and all-wheel drive. From November 2020 the CR-V came in e:HEV hybrid form only, and at the same time the car's suspension was recalibrated to improve the ride and handling while the bodyshell was strengthened.

CHECK ON...

Spare wheel Hybrid CR-Vs can't store a space-saver (unless it's stashed in the boot, reducing carrying capacity) so they have a tyre-repair kit.