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An improved CR-V

This Honda is heavier, more tolerant of high speeds and loaded with eye candy

There were times when I wasn't too confident with the previous generation CR-V, especially the 2.4-litre version. To be specific, the way it gathered speed, although commendable in a straight line, was a little too "rolly" in the corners. To be even more specific, my mother would say things like, "I know you've been driving for some time, but don't be overconfident", every time we entered corners at speeds above 120 kilometres per hour.

But things have changed - well, first in my mother's tolerance of my driving - and second of course in the new CR-V.

First off, the weight has gone up by 50 kilograms. My first experience with the new generation CR-V at its launch was with the 2.0 litre. Besides the obvious upgraded interior, which makes you feel like you paid for "Batas" but got "Nikes", there's a lot more character to the CR-V. The new CR-V is more refined, more tolerant of higher speeds. There is more "Civicness" to this version than any past model.

Then there are all the posh little additions, like the rear-seat viewing mirror, a clear indication that Honda is looking at school-driving mamas. The shiny gear lever, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls, a trip computer, mileage meter and automatic climate control, just to name a few. Not to forget, all that comes with the 2.0-litre version.

So you're an urban traveller. You're idea of a trip is either on a plane or a cruise liner. The automobile only gets you from Central Chidlom to your second girlfriend's place in Sathorn. Where does the CR-V 2.4 fit in? Besides the obvious answer, which is for people who like to hit the outskirts for the weekends. You need the CR-V if you're only truly unhappy with the performance of the 2.0, which seems to be the complaint of some past CR-V owners I've met.

The 2.4's responsiveness is more instantaneous, with more grunt all over the range. At city speeds and at traffic lights you'll never complain about the acceleration, unless you're on your way back from a meeting at 11pm and managed to live the day on caffeine.

Up at speeds of 160kph the CR-V will take advantage of its five-speed gearbox and go into kick-down to give you more push. The steering, similar to that of the 2.0 in its feel, is precise and sharp, in SUV terms of course.

Using the brakes recollects memories of how I first learned to drive, jerkily. The brakes are so responsive and immediate that it'll take you a while to get used to the feather touch required to bring the vehicle to a smooth halt. The driver's seat is high up and the rear seats are quite comfortable as well. For extra luggage space you lift the rear seats off on a hinge and you can load pretty much anything.

Then there's the eye candy, like the fog lights and seven-spoke alloy wheels (as opposed to five spokes in the 2.0 litre). It's almost comical there's so little difference between the two versions considering prices vary by Bt190,000. Honda justifies this by the additions of an automatic-light function, rain sensor, electric driver-side seating controls, HID headlights and side airbags. And did I forget to mention that the interior in full black adds to the beauty?

Most importantly though is the automatic 4WD system, which detects slips and difference in wheel speeds to help engage the rear wheels. A total 20 per cent of the power can be transmitted to the rear, although don't expect the CR-V to get you out of any real trouble. The automatic 4WD system is also available in the 2.0-litre version, although it is a 4WD vehicle as much as China is a communist country. The CR-V 2.4 will set you back by Bt1.47 million and the CR-V 2.0-4WD by Bt1.28 million. If you're looking for even a hair line of 4WD DNA then go for the 2.4-litre version, otherwise run the streets of the City of Angels in that 2.0. Let's make the world a greener place.

Engine: 2.4-litre i-VTEC

Displacement: 2,354cc

Bore and stroke: 87mm x 99mm

Compression ratio: 9.3:1

Maximum power: 170hp/5,800rpm

Maximum torque: 220Nm/4,200rpm

Transmission: Five-speed automatic

Suspension (front and rear): Independent McPherson struts/Independent double wishbones

Steering: Powered rack and pinion

Brakes (front/rear): Vented discs/Discs

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 4,529