Steep list price stymies splendid CR-V in South Africa
Every now and then, a car comes our way that really makes us scratch our heads. Take this Honda CR-V, for instance. Considered the Number One choice in its market niche by more than one publication in the United States, they reckon that the Honda CR-V is a splendid package at the price. That being $31,550.
By comparison, the Volkswagen Tiguan goes for $31,670 in ‘Murica, the Mazda CX-5 $30,265 and Hyundai Tucson $30,200. It’s a very different story in South Africa, however. Here, this Honda CR-V 1.5T Exclusive CVT sells for a million bucks. R1,041,300, to be precise, as we wrote.
By comparison, the CR-V’s main local rivals include the Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan, both below R900K, the R800K Nissan X-Trail, and wait for it, the Mazda CX5 at under R700K. Korean twins, the top end Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento both sell at around the R850K mark.
America agrees: CR-V is splendid
But then we get the Chinese, like the BAIC Beijing X55, JAC T8 and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro offering similar packages at around R600K. So severe is the CR-V price tag, that it is often compared to premium models like the BMW X1 and X3, Audi Q3 and Q5 and Mercedes-Benz B and GLB. Cars it really has no chance against.
So, please excuse us if this car has us stumped. Because there really seems no real reason why it should be priced so far out of context in the local market. Especially when, as most of America attests, this car is best in class there, and we quote, ‘splendid’ at its bargain US price.
Trouble is, we can’t argue with that. Handsome behind that upright grille in Honda’s latest contemporary style, this sixth-generation Honda CR-V 1.5T Exclusive CVT adds diamond finish 19-inch alloys, gains a sportier grille and dual tailpipes to strike quite the pose.
A 7-seater for the first time
A 7-seater for the first time, the CR-V gets upgraded technology, and a premium cabin with a generous list of equipment from leather upholstery and heated seats to a large centre console bin, panoramic sunroof and a power tailgate too. Those new seats and an improved driving position aim to decrease driver fatigue on long trips.
The multifunction steering wheel frames a partially digital gauge cluster with analogue speedometer and a multi-menu 7-inch display. The diver benefits a heads-up display projecting onto the windscreen.
A neat honeycomb-textured insert spans the dash to discreetly mask the air vents. This model’s larger, full 10.2-inch colour TFT digital display touchscreen has just the right balance of infotainment knobs and screens, among other features. There’s of course Carplay, Android and Bluetooth, with wireless charging too,
CR-V cabin has just the right balance
Rear-seat passengers get two USB-C ports for comms and wireless smartphone charging, while reclining rear seats bring plenty legroom at the back. Ahead of more than ample cargo space behind the second row, when the third row is down flat.
Powered by a 140 kW 240 Nm turbocharged and intercooled direct fuel injection all-aluminium DOHC 16-valve four-pot, it turns the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. We achieved a very reasonable 8.7 second 0-100 in our tests and combined fuel consumption is a claimed 7.4 L/100 km. Which we readily achieved.
Featuring strut front and multilink rear suspension and hill-descent control, Honda equips CR-V with a boatload of standard driver-assistance technology too. From automated emergency braking to a driver-attention monitor, lane-keeping assist, and a back-seat reminder. Sounds like the mother-in-law!
Is something wrong with SA CR-V pricing?
Honda’s broad South African dealer network and a comprehensive after-sales package including a 5-year/90,000 km service plan and a smashing 5-year/200,000 km warranty and 3 years of AA roadside assistance bring confidence too. All of which is very good. But is it really that much better than the rest?
Which leads us to conclude that Honda’s cheerful entry in this competitive segment offers comfy seating, decent performance and great fuel efficiency. It’s easy-to-park profile compliments pleasant driving dynamics. While it may lack some of the handling thrills of a Tiguan, agile CR-V’s smooth ride brings enough grit to avoid it being boring.
Add great practicality in a solid built handsome Honda package and it’s easy to see why they say it’s the pick of the bunch ‘Stateside. There, it benefits the price to pop, too. Sadly Honda’s South African pricing makes you think it’s a mistake. Which is such a pity. Pricing aside, this Honda CR-V probably is the best all-rounder in class… – Michele Lupini
Images & testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Honda CR-V 1.5T Exclusive CVT
Engine: 140 kW 240 Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol I4
Drive: CVT automatic FWD
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 4.25 sec
0-100 km/h: 8.73 sec
0-120 km/h: 11.91 sec
0-160 km/h: 20.94 sec
400 m: 16.3sec @ 142 km/h
80-120 km/h: 5.58 sec
120-160 km/h: 9.03 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 200 km/h
Fuel: 7.4 l/100 km
CO2: 177 g/km
Range: 775 km
Warranty/Service: 5y 200K/5y 90K km
LIST PRICE: R1.041M
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