SecondHandSense: Honda CR-VThe affluence of these Celtic Tiger times has put the Honda CR-V under some pressure. This car was the darling of the school run at one stage, seen as a step below a Range Rover and a step above the family saloon, but more money has seen the increasing popularity of the Range Rover itself and all kinds of other alternatives such as the BMW X5 and the Mercedes M-Class in our suburbs.
In fairness, the Honda CR-V has always been a fairly honest proposition, and Honda has never marketed it as a real off-roader. It is more "grass and gravel" to quote one Honda executive. However, it looks the part and that is all that matters to many people. In case you are confused by the name, the CR-V stands for compact recreational vehicle - another variation taken from the vast well of marketing jargon so beloved of car companies.
It is compact and you can enjoy all sorts of recreation in it, but the 2-litre petrol engine in the model we are considering this week (the one whose production ended in 2006) ensures that it will not be the choice of anyone whose requirements extend to the workhorse variety.
It is roomy, and very comfortable to drive and be driven in. The handbrake is in the dashboard, allowing for free movement between seats. Many drivers feel, however, that the seating position is quite low.
The engine is a lively one with a power output of 148 horse power, which is quite enough for the kind of work expected of the CR-V. Honda did quite a good job on improving on its i-VTEC engine over the previous model and you won't have many complaints about it. Fuel consumption also improved over the previous model and 2003 test results indicated 31 miles to the gallon overall. It may sound a little thrashy at higher speeds but the car cruises very well.
The CR-V is a good family motor, and there is a real feeling of refinement about it, at least in terms of its engineering. It was not until the most recent model was introduced last year, however, that the dashboard and fittings were given the required makeover.
The boot space is also a big plus, and the tailgate and back window can be opened separately.
Reliability is rarely an issue with Honda and this one has had no major problems. It has a four star rating (out of a possible five) for its EuroNCAP crash tests, but did not get the extra star because of problems with the restraint system. Testers felt the airbags had a heavy load against the driver's chest and the driver's head bottomed out on the steering wheel.
A 2004 model with twin airbags, air conditioning, electrics, alloys and metallic paint and with 62,000km on the clock is on offer for €25,950.
A similar car produced in 2005 and with 52,000km up is for sale for €29,950.
FOR:Practical and roomy, with typical Honda quality AGAINST:Not up to heavy off-road work, expensive second-hand