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Honda CR-V
Cool-mom mobile
Managing Editor Carmela Ortiz discovers that yin and yang can be found in a modern-day SUV
Photography by Alfred Mendoza
"This car can transform," I told my son Rune as he reluctantly approached the Honda CR-V. I really don't know why he is scared of huge vehicles. Maybe he gets the feeling that they can swallow him whole and alive.
But as soon as he was strapped in the back seat, I could see from the conversation mirror that his eyes were exploring the huge interior. I could sense his excitement, and as we pulled away from the garage, he asked, "Can the CR-V transform now?"
Honda veered away from the previous CR-V's conservative styling and gave it a real makeover. The new look reminds me of a famous race-car driver, probably because of the extended front bumper that looks like an under-bite. A friend said that it looked like a shoe—yes, a shoe! I still wonder how she managed to liken the CR-V to a shoe.
By coincidence, I read somewhere that the project leader for the 2007 CR-V said that this vehicle was designed for the 'cool moms' out there. By doing that, he sure won the hearts of the ladies.
Off the bat, the new CR-V looks bigger than its predecessor, but you would be surprised to learn that they both have almost the same measurements—there is only a difference of a few inches between them. But what I love about the new look of the CR-V is the interior. The moment I unlocked the door, the gauges illuminated to guide my way inside. It is very spacious and roomy even if the interior is bigger by just a few inches compared to the old one. The conversation mirror reminds me of the large rear-view mirrors inside jeepneys—but hey, this is perfect for moms to monitor their children sitting in the back.
The center console, which has a large compartment where the auxiliary jack is located, also has a smaller space perfect for stowing away your kikay kit, a few diapers and milk, plus two cup holders. And while I was going through the interior, I found more compart-ments. You can literally stow away all of your things in this car. The CR-V is like a traveling handbag.
Because women are budget-conscious, the CR-V is equipped with Optitron gauges with a 'fuel efficiency' meter. This gadget helps you monitor how much gas you burn and lets you see in real time what your driving style is like. The buttons along the center console are at an arm's reach and don't look tacky. Everything is organized. You won't feel lost when you want to press or activate something. The dual aircon with auto climate control is perfect, especially if you're with our editorial assistant Tintin, who easily gets the chills.
The audio system of the CR-V is impressive. The sound should be heavenly to any audiophile. It has four speakers and two tweeters, plus an auxiliary jack for your iPod. And there's no need to take your hand off the wheel when you want to adjust the volume—you can easily manipulate the controls using the audio controls mounted on the steering wheel.
The captain's area of the CR-V is packed with all the goodies that you need, but you'll be surprised to see that the cabin area is also full of compartments. The stow-away rear armrest has two cup holders. Aside from the holders in the center console and the armrest, there are even more of these in every door siding. With the excellent audio system and enough compartments for all the drinks you can imbibe—you can literally have a children's party inside.
While you and the kids are having a blast inside the CR-V, rest assured you'll get home safe and on time. Packed with a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine that boasts a maximum power of 167hp and a maximum torque of 217Nm, you'll feel the speed and the comfort at the same time. The real-time 4WD dual pump system can sense different road conditions and automa-tically engages its 4WD system if you need more traction.
The womanly features of the CR-V are balanced out by a manly engine. This makes you think that you are driving not an SUV but a sports car.
All mothers want their children to be safe and protected. Honda addressed this wish and met the needs of mothers who travel with their children. It has airbags for the driver and the front passenger, matched with an Occupant Detection System. You have the option to turn the vehicle stability assist on or off. But I recommend leaving this on in order to improve the vehicle's handling and to avoid losing control.
| Honda CR-V |
| We say: Sporty yet very practical, the CR-V can be whatever your needs dictate. A sure winner. |
Price: P1,450,000
Engine: 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC
Power: 167hp
Torque: 217Nm
Transmission: 5-speed A/T
Layout/Seating: AWD/5
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The fold-and-tumble rear seats give you more space for sky-is-the-limit grocery-shopping. You'll be surprised to see that there's enough space for your dog, too. On out-of-town trips with the kids, the seats can even double as a makeshift bed.
The CR-V truly is a flexible car that can accommodate your every need. It certainly granted all of my wants in a family vehicle.
As I was pulling up in our garage, Rune suddenly uttered, "The CR-V is my favorite car." My sentiments exactly.
Like mother, like son.
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Top Gear Philippines - September 2007
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