Honda CR-V: Modest Modifications

Honda Siel Cars India Ltd has launched a new version of the CR-V. The upgraded version is set to bring in higher levels of quality and offer customers more bang for their buck. Vikram Gour checks out the 'new' CR-V to see what's new...

The Honda CR-V is essentially a CBU import that enjoys a strong fan following globally. Its heritage lies in the essence that most people rarely take their SUV's off the tarmac, so why build something that will never be used in the manner that it is designed for. This gave birth to the idea of a soft roader, or an SUV-looking passenger vehicle that had the street presence and commanding driving position of an SUV, yet was designed essentially to stay on the road. A bit of 'light' off roading was still possible thanks to gizmos like the Real Time four wheel drive system, but the vehicle essentially remained a 'car' that looks like an SUV. No doubt the formula was a success and the CR-V has grown in popularity worldwide. Here in India the CR-V has dominated segment of petrol soft roaders and its comfort and drivability is legendary.

Coming to the new or rather refurbished CR-V that Honda Siel recently unveiled, one realizes that the company has not tinkered with the vehicle too much. After all why change a good thing right! Anyways, the latest CR-V happens to be a minor makeover job to possibly give it a very subtle change yet bring out an element of sophistication, which it manages with elan.

Subtle changes seem to be the theme of this particular makeover for at first instance you might be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the outgoing model and the new one from the outside. A closer look reveals a new hood and two step front grille as well as a slightly redesigned front bumper that houses neat oval fog lights. The rear only boasts of a new bumper as well and the result of these changes in the bumpers has lead to a 45mm length extension on the vehicle. The only other exterior change are the new alloys-gone are the 7 spoke and in come in these neat 10 spoke rims that add a sporty touch to the vehicle now