Since the disappearance of the Insight and CR-Z, Honda's hybrid offer in Europe was limited to just one model: the NSX. Now, with the emergence of CR-V Hybrid , the Japanese brand once again has a “hybrid for the masses” in the old continent while offering, for the first time in Europe, a hybrid SUV.
Intended to occupy the place left vacant by the Diesel version, the Honda CR-V Hybrid uses the modern hybrid system i-MMD or Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive to offer in the same car the consumptions of a Diesel and (almost) the smooth operation of an electric one, all this using a gasoline engine and a hybrid system.
Aesthetically speaking, despite maintaining a discreet look, the Honda CR-V Hybrid does not hide its Japanese origins, presenting a design where visual elements proliferate (still simpler than the Civic).
Inside the CR-V Hybrid
Inside, it's also easy to see that we're inside a Honda model. As with the Civic, the cabin is well built and the materials used are of quality, and another characteristic shared with the Civic is worth mentioning: improved ergonomics.
Subscribe to our newsletter
The problem is not in the “arrangement” of the dashboard, but in the peripheral controls (especially those on the steering wheel) that control functions such as cruise control or the radio and in the command of the “box” (the CR-V Hybrid does not have a gearbox , having only a fixed relationship).
Note also for the infotainment system that, in addition to being confusing to use, presents an outdated graphics.
As for space, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is worth its dimensions and is not only able to comfortably carry four adults, but also has enough space for their luggage (there is always 497 l of luggage capacity). The many storage spaces found inside the CR-V should also be highlighted.
At the wheel of the Honda CR-V Hybrid
Once seated behind the wheel of the CR-V Hybrid we quickly found a comfortable driving position. In fact, comfort turns out to be the main focus when we are behind the wheel of the CR-V Hybrid with the damping favoring comfort and the seats proving to be very comfortable.
Dynamically speaking, the Honda CR-V Hybrid bets on safe and predictable handling, but the driving experience doesn't excite as much as the Civic — you don't get much pleasure out of rushing the CR-V on tighter stretches. Still, the bodywork adornment is not excessive and the steering is communicative q.b, and, truth be told, more can't be asked of an SUV with familiar characteristics.
Given the dynamic characteristics of the CR-V Hybrid, what it most invites us to do are long family trips. In these, the evolved hybrid i-MMD system allows to obtain remarkable consumptions — seriously, we get values between 4.5 l/100 km and to 5 l/100 km on the road — revealing itself only noisy when accelerating at full speed.
In town, the only “enemy” of the Honda CR-V Hybrid is its dimensions. Moreover, the Honda model relies on the hybrid system to offer peace of mind and smoothness only surpassed by electric models. Speaking of electricity, we were able to prove that the 2 km autonomy in 100% electric mode, if well managed, reach almost 10 km.
Is the car right for me?
If you're looking for an economical SUV but don't want a Diesel, or you think plug-in hybrids are an unnecessary complication, the Honda CR-V Hybrid turns out to be a very good alternative. Spacious, comfortable, well built and well equipped, with the CR-V Hybrid Honda managed to combine in one car the economy of a Diesel and the smoothness of an electric, all this with the “fashion package”, an SUV.
After walking a few days with the Honda CR-V Hybrid it's easy to see why Honda abandoned Diesel. The CR-V Hybrid is just as or more economical than the Diesel version and still manages to offer an ease of use and smoothness that Diesel can only dream of.
In the midst of all this, we only regret that in a car with a technological package as evolved as the i-MMD system, the presence of an infotainment system leaves so much to be desired. The absence of the gearbox, on the other hand, is a matter of habit that ends up having more pros than cons.