Honda CR-V: One of the most dependable crossovers on the market

A column by motoring writer Leigh Robinson.

The Honda CR-V has just celebrated its 25th birthday and in the process has become the world’s best selling SUV.

Not bad for a car which was built in Swindon a few years ago but now where sadly there is no production at all.

Experts say a new Honda CR-V can last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles on the road which means a lifespan of between 16 and 20 years, making the CR-V one of the most dependable crossovers in the market.

The latest evolution now of the CR-V is a hybrid and after two years it is doing rather well in the market place. The customers like it, the experts rate it and while it is expensive at around £36,000 it is an excellent car.

The two litre engine works in line with two electric motors giving you a top speed of 112mph and a 0-60mph in nine seconds. And being a hybrid you get more than 50 miles to the gallon.

The 2.0 i-MMD hybrid is the only engine option for the new CR-V and it is pretty lively. Should you require a 4x4 there is one available emissions are between 120 and 126 CO2 g/km.

There is a massive amount of space. Take the rear seats down then you get almost 1,700 litres of space and your fuel tank is 57 litres.

Automatic emergency braking lane-departure warning, traffic sign recognition, e-Call emergency response and lane-keeping assistance are all standard.

The CR-V range starts with the S trim, which comes with a good amount of kit including 17in wheels, auto lights and adaptive cruise control, plus all the safety features and visibility aids. Up for the next is the SE, which adds the infotainment upgrades (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 7.0in screen), as well as the extra parking aids. Then there is the dual-zone climate control, 18in alloy wheels, privacy glass, auto wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

The SR with the £36,000 price tag adds leather seats, heated front seats, ambient lighting and keyless entry, while the top-of-the-range EX features 19in alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, a heated steering wheel and a head-up display and then you are up to the £40,000 mark.