Honda CR-V DTi-L 2014 Review

It took them ages to get it here but finally Honda has a diesel variant, (two actually) of the popular CR-V compact SUV, coming to us from the UK instead of Thailand. And, without prejudice, the all-wheel drive only diesel CR-V is a better mouse trap, feels better built, looks better built and goes better.

PRICE / FEATURES

The start price is $38,290 for a six-speed manual DTi-S with our top-of-the-range DTi-L five-speed auto (only) tester going for $45,340. That places the diesel CR-V right in the thick of the action against its main competitors of which there are many.

Styling inside and out is the same as other CR-Vs despite the different place of manufacture but the DTi-L we drove was a real step up on a number of fronts including driver assistance features.

Included among these are tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear park assist, auto headlights and wipers, auto high beam, rear view camera, trailer stability assist, hill descent control and hill start assist. There's none of the real sexy electronic stuff coming through some "Euro" manufacturers but its a pretty good start that will hopefully filter through the CR-V line-up.

They equip the diesel CR-V generously even in 'base (S) spec' which gets Bluetooth phone and audio, SUNA satnav, dual zone climate control, reverse camera and rear park sensors, multi-function wheel, a multi info display panel with perhaps ten readouts, really good one touch tumble fold rear seats, cruise and plenty more.

To this the (L) adds button start, heated front seats, leather, active cornering lights, auto high beam, bi-xenon headlights and other goodies including 18-inch alloys. The spare is full size -- big tick.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Power comes from a 2.2-litre turbodiesel four with VGT (variable geometry turbo) and outputs of 110kW/350Nm, mated to a five-speed automatic. Drive goes predominantly to the front wheels with electronic sensors engaging the rears when needed. That means soft road duties only --  something underlined in the CR-V by its low-ish 170mm ground clearance. Snow, gravel roads yes, anything else... no.

SAFETY

CR-V gets a five star ANCAP safety rating with all that brings and in terms of environmental stuff, it has a particle filter  and other technology to knock out exhaust nasties. We used the Eco Assist mode often and enjoyed the challenge of squeezing the best fuel consumption from the vehicle.

DRIVING

It's a decent drive too with adequate power and a supple, well controlled ride with relatively flat cornering. There's plenty of room inside and interior noise and vibration levels are low. It certainly doesn't sound like a diesel -- at any time. 

It's a fairly lazy engine when compared to others of similar capacity that generate up to 150kW/500Nm. But the Honda engine makes a good fist of pushing this 1770kg five-seater and can do better than the claimed 6.9-litres/100km fuel consumption. We regularly saw 6.1.

Someone at Honda needs to get with the program regarding auto transmissions and find a six-speed unit for its cars including the CR-V. Five cogs doesn't cut it these days, even with paddle shift and "Grade Logic." The near monochrome info screen is uninspiring and at times difficult to read, but apart from that there are few niggles with the fit-out..

VERDICT

Like the looks, like the price, like the size, like the features -- but it could still do with a six-speed auto to get with the program.

2014 Honda CR-V diesel pricing

Honda CR-V DTi-S manual -  from $38,290
Honda CR-V DTi-S auto - from $40,590
Honda CR-V DTi-L auto - from $45,340

Honda CR-V DTi-L diesel
Price: $45,340
Engine: 2.2L turbodiesel 110kW/350Nm
Transmission: 5-speed torque converter auto, 4WD
Thirst: 6.9L/100km