2012 Honda CR-V EX-L Assessment & Test Drive

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SLEEKER, Additional Economical ANDTECHNOLOGICALLYSAVVY

All new for 2012, the fourth- generation Honda CR-V embraces a advanced and bolder human body design, giving additional technological very first for Honda and escalating fuel overall economy. Very long proven as the benchmark car in its course in conditions of good quality, refinement and recognition, the 2012 CR-V is made to carry on to exceed buyer expectations for entry- stage CRVs. Significant enhancements improved car or truck -like comfort and ease, a smoother and quieter experience and additional modern capabilities. New for 2012 contains a much more effective motor style with improved horsepower, readily available True time AWD with Intelligent Handle Technique, new for 2012 typical characteristics like an Uncomplicated Fold-Down sixty / 40 Break up Rear Seat, Eco Guide, Expanded- Watch Motorists Mirror and Motion -Adaptive Electric Electrical power Steering (EPS), intelligent Multi- Details Screen (iMID), Pandora online radio interface, SMS text messaging purpose, and offered DVD Rear Entertainment Technique that I had in my CR-V EX-L product.

The 2012 CR-V overall body features a much more dynamic and refined visual appeal while contributing to high fuel economic climate and wonderful inside versatility. When compared to the previous generation, the new model takes on a much more intense stance with further sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia highlighted by a horizontal a few -bar grille and deeply established multi-reflector headlights and round foglamps down beneath.

The CR-Vs spacious interior format becomes much more accommodating with an improved middle console and an total decrease cargo floor height. The most substantial new inside attribute is the Effortless Fold-Down sixty / forty break up rear seat that can make accessing the total potential of the cargo spot significantly much more convenient than the classic handbook folding seats. Each facet of the rear seat can instantly fold just about flat into the entrance of the cargo place making use of 1 of the levers positioned in close proximity to the tailgate or a pull-strap positioned on the seat side. I liked working with the two levers far more than pulling the strap.

Beyond its new flexible packaging, the CR-V demonstrates new awareness to the in- auto experience, with sophisticated instrumentation and a typical full - color intelligent Multi- Facts Display screen that presents a variety of customizable functions by way of fingertip controls on the steering wheel. Although the floor pan is the identical height as in the prior design, the new CR-V has a a bit reduced and more automobile -like seating place, while nevertheless retaining an elevated driver vantage place that customers benefit in this course. A decrease cargo floor enhances simplicity of cargo loading and unloading.

The CR-Vs audio techniques present a new degree of connectivity, such as a regular Pandora net radio user interface thats compatible with the Apple iphone. Theres also a handy SMS text messaging function that, when paired with a compatible cellphone, can read incoming texts aloud by means of the audio method and permit you to react with any of 6 manufacturing facility preset text messages. The Bluetooth HandFreeLink cellphone interface is typical on all types, and delivers intuitive palms - free calling ease. And for the first time, the CR-V now delivers an accessible DVD Rear Leisure Process mounted into the headliner with a pull-down display, wi-fi headphone and remote control unit.

The all-new CR-V capabilities a superior and smooth powertrain that provides functional efficiency for metropolis and highway driving, enhanced gas economy and readily available all-wheel travel for confidence -inspiring capability in very low -traction situations. Advancements to the CR-Vs 2. four liter, i-VTEC DOHC four -cylinder motor for 2012 yield far more power -now 185 hp, five horsepower more than past years product - alongside with elevated torque delivery. A five - pace automatic transmission is standard. The CR-Vs EPA believed town / freeway gas economic system rating is new 23/31 mpg for entrance -wheel push designs and 22/ 30 mpg with the readily available Actual Time AWD with Intelligent Management Program. Getting a cue from the 2012 Civic, the new ECON working mode and Eco Assist function increases the potential for drivers to boost the automobiles gas financial system when the techniques are activated and used.

For all those motorists who motivation the all- time self-confidence of all-wheel push, the new Real Time AWD with Intelligence Handle Method introduces a large diploma of all-wheel- generate sophistication in rain, snow, grime roads and dry pavement. The electronically controlled all-wheel- generate program replaces the past - era CR-Vs Genuine Time 4wd, a mechanically-activated twin -pump system that required a small degree of wheel slip to activate. Genuine Time AWD provides self-confident capacity and consumer friendliness in a lightweight, gas - efficient and technologically- innovative design and style. Also new for 2012 is Hill Commence Support that allows avoid the CR-V from rolling backwards when you swap from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal although the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start out Support immediately activates when the automobile senses a particular incline and is fully stopped in any ahead or reverse gear.

The 2012 CR-V chassis is designed to increase driving satisfaction, convenience and protection with its completely independent, activity -tuned, MacPherson strut suspension up entrance, and an impartial rear multi- link setup. Stabilizer bars measuring 20mm in front, and 19mm in the rear will help maintain the body from leaning above in the course of spirited driving on curving roads.

Following the 2012 Civic, the new CR-V is the next Honda to use Movement -Adaptive Electrical Rack & Pinion Electric power Steering. Common in all versions, this sophisticated new technique will work with the common VSA and EPS to identify instability in slippery road ailments both equally during cornering and less than braking and routinely initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct path. This advanced new know-how supports the motorists action in functioning the vehicle a lot more security and easily. It felt extremely normal when steering about curves and gave me a great really feel for the highway floor.

Also incorporating safety and much more self-confidence through me travel at the rear of the wheel of the all-new CR-V is the typical hefty - duty, power -assisted, 4 -wheel disc brakes 11. eight in. vented discs up front clamped with dual - aide calipers and twelve in. reliable discs in the rear vented with solitary - aide calipers in the rear. Regular ABS, EBD, BA and ESC perform together to support preserve you in management of your route when braking on slick or wet pavement.

As opposed to the 2011 design, the physique design and style is more aerodynamically effective with a one in. reduce roofline and a lot of refinements. Even with its sleeker physical appearance the leading -of-the-line CR-V EX-L nevertheless delivers a generous 38 in. of headroom, and enhanced passenger volume of 104. one cu.ft. The general packaging tactic results in the biggest, most functional inside feasible for a automobile of this exterior dimensions and proportion. A revised doorsill style with an enhanced phase - about angle makes it possible for for less difficult ingress and egress.

Huge 17X6. five 5 -spoke alloy wheels wrapped with 225/65R17 in. all- season radial tires and bold fender flares emphasize the motor vehicles dynamic presence and ability. The CR-Vs signature brake lights, which have been a layout fixture because 1997 continue with a new concept in 2012 with a additional a few -dimensional design that additionally compliments the layout and aerodynamics of the new CR-V.

Significant reductions to the impact of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the course of the body and chassis improve interior quietness and trip good quality. To accomplish this advancement, the 2012 CR-V has good overall body rigidity, greater suspension isolation homes, extra noise insulation and much more aerodynamic functions including substantial underbody covers and a rear spoiler.

New on the 2012 CR-V is a driver- side Expanded- See Drivers Mirror. The mirror employs a flat reflective airplane on the interior portion of the mirror closest to the door, as required by law, although the outer portion utilizes a convex factor to give a broader subject of see. This adds an extra five. five -degress of visibility at the outer edge of the mirrors discipline of see, which can aid you in detecting other autos or street ailments that you might not otherwise see in your side of the mirror.

The interior of the all-new 2012 CR-V aims to redefine whats attainable in the entry- degree SUV class with a sedan-like driving position, decreased sound stages, new comfort and ease attributes, convenient integration with personal technology, multipurpose cargo storage and high - quality resources. New technologies include a Pandora online radio user interface, an SMS text reading and reaction purpose (with compatible cellphones), by way of the new intelligent Multi- Information Display screen, FM Targeted traffic on designs outfitted with the Honda Satellite- Linked Navigation System, and an obtainable DVD Rear Amusement Program (that my design arrived with). All versions appear standard with a new Just one - Motion 60 / 40 break up rear seat with pull-down armrest and dual cupholders, a large quantity middle console, an Eco Support System and a quieter and a lot more refine cabin.

Advanced instrumentation involves an common gas economic system indicator, immediate fuel financial system, miles to empty indicators, an engine oil existence indicator and an exterior temperature indicator. The gauges include a big centered speedometer with a tachometer to the still left and, motor coolant temperature and gas gauge down under it. Moreover, a standard whole - color smart multi- information show presents a assortment of customizable characteristics through fingertip controls on the leather -wrapped/tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

Typical security capabilities in the all-new CR-V contain driver/ front passenger airbags, driver/ entrance passenger side airbags, facet curtain airbags with rollover sensor, three - place protection belts for 5 with entrance pretensioners/load limiters, facet - influence door beams, entrance /rear crumple zones, tire strain watch, and LATCH technique for baby seats.

Common characteristics in my CR-V EX-L model not described earlier mentioned consist of leather -trimmed seats with 8 -way driven driver-seat and lumbar command, leather -wrapped shift knob, DVD Rear Leisure program with seven in. screen, high - electrical power AM-FM-CD audio process with seven -speakers and a subwoofer, Bluetooth audio/ arms - cost-free cellphone, USB audio interface, XM satellite radio, twin -zone local weather controls with air-filter, heated front seats, retractable cargo go over, electric power windows/ door locks, seize handles higher than just about every door, twin map lights, 2nd row lights and cargo lights, lighted dual self-importance mirrors, 12 -volt power plug, cruise manage, variable-intermittent wipers/washers and rear wiper/washer, floor mats, sunglass holder, pull-out door handles, metallic trim and excellent faux wooden trim on the dashboard, and rear cargo flooring mat.

For Honda CR-V enthusiasts the all-new design is more potent, additional aerodynamic, far more refined and additional up-to- date with the most up-to-date in technological capabilities to carry it up to day as we head into the next 10 years of the 21^st. century. It is a winner all- all around for its driving enjoyable and versatility.

COPYRIGHT: 2012: HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Technical specs

• Selling price : $27,745.00 CR-V EX-L FWD
• Engine : two. 4 -liter DOHC 4 -cylinder 185 horsepower @ 4400 rpm / 163 ft-lbs. torque @ 4400 rpm
• Wheelbase: 103. one in.
• Total length : 178. three in.
• Full width: 71. six in.
• Full top : 64. seven in.
• Floor clearance: 6. three in.
• Headroom: f/r-38/38. 6 in.
• Legroom: f/r- forty one. 3 /38. 3 in.
• Cargo volume : rear seat up-37. two /rear seat down-70. 9 in.
• Curb body weight : 3,424 lbs.
• Towing: one, five hundred lbs.
• - 60 mph: 9. four seconds
• EPA mileage: 23mpg/ metropolis, 31mpg/ freeway