Test drive Honda CR-V 2004-2007 SUV
Fashion suit
For the pan-European test drive of the third generation of CR-V, the Hondians chose Barcelona. The most European city of Spain, it turns out, is an ideal habitat for a potential buyer of a new compact SUV: men for forty, married individualist, leading an active lifestyle. Even if he does not live in Barcelona, \u200b\u200bhe probably comes here for the weekend, the representatives of Honda assured. By the way, we also arrived on the weekend. And all this in order to feel what the Spaniards call the word FusIun (alloy, fusion), with stress on the last syllable. We are talking about the alloy of styles, cultures, civilizations that glorified this Mediterranean city. The concept of FusIun became the motto of the CR-V presentation, the National Spanish color came to the Japanese in handy, otherwise it would have turned out to be a familiar English Fusion.
The alloy of the SUV with a passenger car is massive and irreversible. So the new CR-V had to become closer to the asphalt. The road clearance was reduced from 200 to 185 mm, and this was enough for the SUV to be visually perceived as an almost passenger car. To radically improve controllability, the center of gravity was lowered by 25 mm, and the front track was made 25 mm wider than that of the previous model. The main secret of such a shift in the center of gravity is low attachment of the power unit. It helped improve the stability and a spare wheel removed under the floor of the trunk. But the most noticeable changes, of course, are in appearance. Side glazing causes associations with D-class sedans. The body was heard in a 35 mm width, which added solidity to the SUV. In front, a frivolous smile appeared the bottom of the radiator grate visually the headlights visually connected. The result was a beautiful all -wheel drive station wagon with a streamlined silhouette (it is good that the reserve left the fifth door, and the trunk lid opens now upward, and not sideways).
There are also enough changes inside: the salon was transformed with a claim to the premium class (despite the fact that the plastic in places is Japanese hard, everything looks dignified in German). A funny switching lever for switching automatic transmission modes, located earlier on a torpedo to the right of the steering wheel and resembling an American poker, disappeared. For a completely normal selector, a place was found at the base of the central console. Another innovation combination of devices with two, and not three, as before, round scales: on the left tachometer with indication of automatic transmission modes, on the right a speedometer. A neat three -spoke steering wheel with leather trim is very convenient, although it seemed thin in the section. I got a CR-V with a 2-liter gasoline engine (created on the basis of a 1.8-liter SOHC I-VTEC) and a new 5-speed automatic transmission. It is with this engine that the car will be supplied to Russia. But the well-known 2.2-liter diesel diesel with a capacity of 140 hp. It is not intended for our market.
In a car with a panoramic glass roof (option), primarily the abundance of space and light pleased, as well as a wonderful overview in all directions. Electric adjustments of the driver's seat (option) are enough for a tall driver. In addition, the steering wheel is now regulated by departure and angle of inclination. It was surprised that the key does not add up, and the launch of the button is not even as an option. We try to get a job with colleagues on the back sofa. The absence of a tunnel allows you to comfortably accommodate three adult men of medium complexion. The ceiling does not press, and a decent distance between the knees and the front seat back. The doorways became larger, the thresholds are below. I go out into the fresh air, slipping a clean leg along the wheel arch. After several unsuccessful attempts to go out correctly, I understand: in order not to get dirty, passengers in Russia will have to practice.
I was pleased with a roomy trunk. He was divided in half with a removable shelf withstanding a load of 10 kg. For this horizontal partition, for example, a baby stroller or a suitcase is placed. And for the transportation of more overall goods, you can lay the shelf on the floor of the trunk and close the luggage compartment from curious eyes with a regular curtain. To begin with, Honda employees suggested testing on a closed highway a system for preventing collisions and reducing the consequences of accidents (CMBS). My task is to catch up with the doll, fixed with the help of a sophisticated bracket to the left of the second-generation CR-V body; This car acts as a bait. As soon as the distance between us is reduced, according to the computer, the sound signal follows, the Brake inscription flashes on the display.
I continue to put pressure on the gas and I immediately feel how the electric motor is pulled by the reins of the seat belts. After two or three thorough shocks, the newly sound signal and persistent Brake. I slow down at the very last moment, already tightly attracted by a belt to the seat. There was no bumper contact with a doll, and the effort on the brake pedal seemed unusually weak. As it turned out, by 40% the car slowed for me on its own. It is no longer possible, otherwise the driver can then sue the computer that prevented the emergency maneuver. Or its creators. The system only works at a speed of above 15 km/h, and if you are driving faster than the car in front of you at least 15 km/h. Alas, for Russia CMBS is not provided even as an option. Apparently, not in vain. Having left the training ground, some colleagues immediately tried to test the novelty in combat conditions, causing panic from impressive Spanish drivers. Although, seriously, the main reason for the deprivation of us CMBS is most likely Russian climatic conditions.
The main question that worried before meeting with the new CR-V is enough two-liter engine in tandem with automatic transmission for a 1.5-ton car? At first, the speaker did not impress despite the officially promised acceleration of up to 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds. The machine switches the transmission smoothly and moderately thoughtfully. If you are a sporting lover with frequent sharp accelerations, you will have to bypass official dealers from the USA version with a 2.4 -liter gasoline engine (170 hp). However, after two test days, the impression was that the engine capabilities were harmoniously agreed both with the settings of pendants and the steering, and with the comfortable philosophy of the new CR-V. This is especially clearly felt on the highway: overtaking does not cause problems, the car is confidently standing on a straight line and, almost like a passenger, keeps the road in corners. Good controllability is logical, because CR-V uses a compact platform that has much in common with the new Civic platform. In the front suspension, the traditional racks of McPherson, a multi -link in the back.
Owners of CR-V of previous generations often complained about poor sound insulation: the noise of a gasoline engine at high speeds annoyed many. Now in the cabin is noticeably quieter thanks to the use of new soundproofing materials. However, at speeds above 130 km/h the engine is still audible, and aerodynamic noises in the area of \u200b\u200bimpressive lateral mirrors are noticeable. But what about the improved Real Time 4WD drive system? The rear axle is connected when slipping the front wheels is still using a system of two oil pumps and friction coupling. The maximum torque, which can be transmitted to the rear wheels, has grown from 15 to 35%. It is stupid to look for real off -road in the vicinity of Barcelona, \u200b\u200band I could not fully evaluate the fist mechanism of the rear wheels of the rear wheels, designed to increase the speed of their connection when the front slides and increase the transmitted moment.
Figure skating along the soft sandy soil of the vast wasteland on the outskirts of a small town confirmed the promised excellent handling on slippery coatings. I can say for definitely: to catch the moment of connecting the rear wheels in the dynamics, we must try very hard. Before that, the front wheel manages to cram the corner of only about 5. In some crossovers with a similar scheme of all-wheel drive transmission, the pickup occurs harshly, jerking, and here everything is still intelligent, almost imperceptibly. So the links of competitors to the backwardness of the design with two pumps and the coupling are at least untenable. In European dealerships, the updated Honda CR-V crossover will appear in January, in Russia with a month later.
Cars are offered only with a two-liter engine, but you can choose a gearbox either 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. There are three configurations: Comfort (from $ 33800), Elegance (from $ 35800) and Executive (from $ 39500). Comfort includes: front and lateral pillows of the driver and front passenger, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VSA, TSA, TSA, Board Computer, Air Force, Air conditioner, CD and MP3, electric windows and electric mirrors, 17-inch steel disks . Elegance equipment is complemented by alloying disks, folding mirrors, rain sensor, leather steering wheel and checkpoint, high-frequency speakers, two-zone climate control, cruise control, and light sensor. In the EXECUTIVE configuration, in addition to the above, there is xenon, parking sensors, leather interior, R18 discs, 6 CD radio, subwoofer, driver's seats.
Dmitry Polikarpov
