Motoring ROAD TESTS BY MARK SLACK Honda CR-V – quality, practicality and style P
articularly of late it seems manufacturers are all relaunching model names from their past in new, usually EV car form. This can sometimes
work well for drawing attention or, appealing to those with their own or family memories of said relaunched model name. Arguably the smart car makers never lose the name in the first place. Honda has had the CR-V in their sales armoury since 1995, and in the UK 1997. Through all its different incarnations over the years it may not be some high- end sports SUV, but it has always provided quality, practical and stylish SUV transport. Although no Land Rover it’s always been offered with a decent four- wheel-drive system if required too. The current, stylishly chunky, CR-V line up is a simple
three trim levels with one hybrid power unit of either self-charging or the plug-in variety. Rightly praised for its build quality it feels much more premium than many competitors, and gives the feeling that little will change as the miles mount over the years. It’s a large vehicle with ample and very comfortable
seating and decent visibility thanks to its good glass area and high seating position. Thankfully Honda has taken a common-sense approach to switches and buttons, it has them! There is a large a touchscreen, with admirable clarity, but the most important and frequently necessary tasks can all be done simply and safely. All hybrids or EVs are automatics in one form or another and the e-CVT system in the CR-V is one which doesn’t rely too much on high engine revs and the associated noise. For the most part it’s a smooth
and refined drive with the over-rev, even under hard acceleration, not harsh. The 2.0 litre engine does an excellent job of moving
the large Honda with the benchmark 62mph passed in just 9 seconds. Fuel consumption is suitably frugal for such a car and if you opt for the plug-in-hybrid you can cover around 50 miles on pure electric. Standard fare across the board includes a panoramic
glass roof, heated front seats, leather upholstery, reclining front and rear seats, wireless charging, power tailgate, keyless entry and start, high beam assist, auto lights and wipers and well thought out reclining front and rear seats. This enviable list increases further with the higher trim levels. Priced from £47,350 the CR-V is a lot of car for the
money, rather good looking and immensely practical with a premium ambience to the look, feel and touch of the car. If you’re looking for a perfect mix of practical, premium and comfort then you could do far worse than the CR-V. It also possesses, for this writer at least, the style and substance lacking in many competitors.
Suzuki Swift – hitting the mark! C
ompare the offerings from car makers now to just a few years ago and the number of small hatchbacks seems to have declined. Cars
have got larger, the desire for crossovers and SUVs continues unabated and it’s more challenging to make smaller EVs given the need for battery space. One manufacturer that has managed to retain its small, and ever popular, hatchback is Suzuki and their Swift. Although, thanks to emissions regulations and the march of the EV, the immensely enjoyable Sport version is no longer available, the Swift is a well-equipped, nicely finished and enjoyable all-
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