Honda CR-V V Turbo CVT: impressive entry-level variant

Honda is committed to electrifying its lineup here in the Philippines and its local subsidiary has equipped some of its nameplates — like the CR-V — with hybrid powertrains. 

While the new-energy models offer several advantages (like immunity to the number coding scheme), its siblings running fully on internal combustion engines still present an appealing proposition. 

On that note, Zigwheels Philippines spent a week with the base variant Honda CR-V V Turbo. Here are our thoughts about the sport utility vehicle’s (SUV) entry-level model. 

Let’s start with its dimensions: 

Overall length (in mm)	4,691
Overall width (in mm)	1,866
Overall height (in mm)	1,681
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,701
Ground clearance (in mm)	208

 

At a glance, the Honda CR-V V Turbo appears to have a wide yet low stance. The above numbers translate to stable and agile driving in fast-paced driving situations as well as a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to seven passengers. 

The relatively impressive ground clearance can help when going over potholes or through speed bumps. 

Athletic, well-built exterior 

I personally love Honda’s new design language, which makes the CR-V look mature, masculine, and sporty — all at once. 

Eye-catching is its large black grille with big honeycomb patterns. In the middle sits a black Honda emblem that seems to blend well with the latticework. Flanking the fascia (and connected by a horizontal chrome bar) is a pair of sleek-looking LED headlamps that can be adjusted manually and have a high beam support system. 

Notably, the lights automatically turn on and off, which is helpful when entering tunnels, making one’s way through dimly lit parking spaces, and when driving at dusk. 

The lower portion of the SUV’s fore has a grille with a smaller honeycomb design. On each of its sides are housings for the vehicle’s LED fog lamps. 

Its side profile is highlighted by blacked-out appointments, which come in the form of wheel arches (with amber-hued reflectors), door claddings, as well as B- and C-pillars. Its side mirrors have repeaters as well as cameras that display the SUV’s side panel on the infotainment screen when making a turn. 

There are chrome appliques surrounding the vehicle’s windows, which adds some level of opulence to the otherwise base-level model. Likewise, the silver 18-inch wheels wrapped in chunky 235/60 radial tires give the seven-seater an air of elegance. 

Its rear gets a roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated brake lamp, a decent-sized glass, combination LED taillamps, a power tailgate, and a chunky bumper with reflectors on each side. 

As an added bonus, the author was provided with a unit that comes fitted with genuine Honda accessories namely door visors, exhaust pipes, running boards, and a cargo tray with a seat-back protector combo. 

Overall, the appearance of the Honda CR-V V Turbo variant is athletic and well-built. For an entry-level model, it ticks all the right boxes aesthetically and will make for an SUV its owners can be proud to be seen in. 

Classy, gentlemanly cabin

Inside, the Honda CR-V V Turbo looks gentlemanly good. 

Its front seats, which are covered in black leather and have perforations on the area where one’s back and thighs rest, look sporty and elegant at the same time. They also have a memory function, which a friend of the writer noted was impressive. The same upholstery is applied to the center armrest, gear level boot, and steering wheel with multi-functional controls. 

People taking the back seat will also get to enjoy leather trims. Further, the second-row seats have a pull-down armrest with cubbies for beverages. The third-row bench — although a little cramped — still offers some level of comfort thanks to the plush leather material covering the foldable bench. 

While the door trims and the carpets come in a similarly stylish black color, the headliner is finished with a lighter tone. I guess it would have been better if the cabin had an all-black theme as it would create the illusion of a larger space, and dark-colored liners seem to be better at hiding common dirt. 

Tech-wise, the Honda CR-V V Turbo offers impressive features for a base variant model. Past the previously mentioned three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel is a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Below are some of the information that can be displayed on the monitor: 

• Range
• Fuel
• Speed 
• Time
• Audio
• Phone
• Navigation
• Driver attention
• Seat belts
• Safety support
• Brightness
• Meter display settings 
• Warnings
• Fuel level
• Engine temperature

Complementing the said instrument cluster is a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Smartphone pairing can be done via wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, while its other connectivity features include Bluetooth and USB inputs. 

The screen is large enough to legibly display navigation apps like Google Maps. On the other hand, music from programs like Spotify or Apple Podcasts is directed to an eight-speaker sound system, which still provides decent in-car audio but may prove inadequate for those with more sophisticated ears. 

The Honda CR-V V Turbo is packed with other notable interior amenities, which we have listed below: 

• Power windows
• Power door locks 
• 12-volt accessory sockets 
• Wireless charger 
• USB charging ports
• Cup, bottle holders
• Triple-zone automatic air conditioning system 

Capable powertrain 

Under the beefy and muscular bonnet of the Honda CR-V V Turbo is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. The four-cylinder powerplant not only delivers ample “oomph” but also transfers power smoothly to the front wheels. 

Speaking of which, below is its performance figures: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower)	187
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	240

 

Behind the wheel, the numbers translate to immediate acceleration. The impressive torque delivery means that one can quickly take off in stop-and-go traffic and confidently execute overtakes on the freeway. 

When it comes to halts and deceleration, the nameplate relies on ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Suspension-wise, it uses a Mac Pherson strut setup at the fore and a multi-link arrangement at the back. 

That said, the SUV feels agile when taking on corners and drives admirably stable on straightaways. 

Impressive safety features 

Despite being an entry-level model, the Honda CR-V V Turbo is equipped with impressive safety features. Below are its standard technologies: 

• Agile handling assist 
• Driver attention monitor 
• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• Vehicle stability assist 
• Hill start assist 
• Hill descent control 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic brake-force distribution 
• Emergency stop signal 
• Honda LaneWatch 
• Wide reverse camera 
• Four rear parking sensors 
• ISOFIX tethers 
• Child safety locks 
• Security alarm, immobilizer 

In addition, the Honda CR-V V Turbo gets the brand’s Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which comes with the below systems: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Low-speed follow 
• Collision mitigation braking system 
• Forward collision warning 
• Lane keeping assist system 
• Road departure mitigation 
• Lane departure warning 
• Auto high beam 
• Lead car departure notification 

Since we are on the topic of Honda Sensing, it is important to note that the Japanese carmaker’s Philippine arm now has a lineup that carries the said safety system. At the time of writing, only the Brio hatchback lacks the said safety framework. 

Final thoughts 

While most standard-level models only give car buyers rudimentary features, the Honda CR-V V Turbo provides its would-be owners a wealth of amenities that will suffice their basic motoring needs. 

Above the Honda CR-V are two more variants, which occupy the three-trim hierarchy. 

Below are the nameplate’s full roster and their respective prices: 

Honda CR-V V Turbo	P2.1 million
Honda CR-V VX Turbo (AWD)	P2.29 million
Honda CR-V RS e:HEV	P2.605 million

 

Also read:

More than modest: Honda Brio V CVT

Honda City RS CVT: a practical, stylish daily driver

Safer than ever: Honda City Hatchback