For most hybrids, the electric motor only supports the combustor; especially when starting or accelerating. Honda goes with his SUV CR-V another way. This is indeed getting used to, but the main goal of all effort is achieved.
Recently, Honda also offers its mid-size SUV CR-V with a hybrid drive. The combination of electric motor and petrol engine complements the only alternative, the 1,5-liter gasoline engine with 173 or 193 PS. A diesel, the Japanese brand for the 4,60 meter long vehicle is no longer on offer, although the actually in SUV, in fact, still pretty useful. Now the hybrid should be responsible for the austerity program.
However, this is not to compare with the usual double drives á la Toyota Prius, Honda goes its own way. And it goes like this: Instead of a small electric motor, there is a strong variant with rich 135 kW / 185 horsepower. Since it is already clear that the engine is not intended only to support the gasoline engine. Rather, it is the other way round. The electric power unit is responsible for the drive work. The gasoline engine, which is not exactly weak-breasted with its 2,0 liter displacement and 107 kW / 145 PS, is primarily concerned with energy production and produces electricity with the help of a generator. Unlike a normal hybrid, the performance of the gasoline engine for the appearance of the CR-V therefore also does not matter. The battery drops small, it stores electricity for about two kilometers of electric range.
So, as expected, the hybrid sits at the start purely electrically and thus whisper-quiet in motion. But wait, did some idiot turn up his 200 watt system in the distance? No, that's us. With the window down, you can hear a low-pitched sequence of tones, which should make pedestrians as well as cyclists aware of the car. We reach the highway, push the gas pedal through and immediately jumps on the petrol engine. But as I said, initially only to generate electricity for the electric motor.
After just over 9 seconds reached the Honda Tempo 100, theoretically maximum 180 stuff in it. The CR-V can do that as well, but the basically rather comfortable vehicle does not feel really comfortable. In addition, the consumption jumps upwards. Honda waives, as is common in e-cars today, on a transmission with gear ratios, so the electric motor continues to turn cheerfully upwards. The petrol engine provides the energy over higher speeds. As a result, there is always a small time delay between the audible engine speed and the onset of acceleration. That can be annoying.
For the driven by us all-wheel drive Honda gives a standard fuel consumption of 5,5 liters. Big surprise: with a test consumption over 14 days of 6,1 liters, we were only half a liter above it. A positive surprise, because initially the effort that Honda operates, yes a little awkward. In fact, the hybrid achieves its main goal, namely to be economical on the road. But the truth is: with a modern diesel would have achieved that.
Of course, the good real consumption is also related to the fact that you do not really like driving fast in the CR-V Hybrid. On the freeway, you virtually automatically tune in at a speed between 100 and 140 km / h. In this area, the SUV is still pleasantly quiet and presents itself as a comfortable glider. And here it can also happen that the gasoline engages sometimes directly into the propulsion. There is in fact a so-called lock-up clutch, over which the power is then exceptionally, so at high power demand, but still passed directly to the drive wheels.
But apart from its exceptional drive concept, the CR-V Hybrid is still modest. Visually, he looks restrained in spite of his size, almost a bit boring, but in a very sympathetic way solid. Inside, it offers a lot of room for passengers on the one hand, and also on the rear seats, which are often neglected for a sporty design, but also offers a large luggage compartment with 500 liter capacity, which can be expanded to almost 1.700 liters if required and without the rear seats leaves. A third row of seats, as in gasoline, is not offered. We especially liked the easy access via the wide opening doors. The cockpit, however, is more routine than specially made, so you should not expect a special whistle.
The "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle" will continue to have a hard time here, despite its fuel-efficient drive and generous space. In its fifth generation, it is more than ever more geared to non-European conditions and there, so especially in the US, the CR-V is also a real success.
For the version with four-wheel drive and the middle Elegance trim level calls Honda just under 37.000 Euro. If you are satisfied with the front-wheel drive and the slightly lower comfort level of the comfort level, you will already be able to purchase from 32.290 Euro. After all, there is already the extensive assistant package Honda Sensing, LED lights, smart key and 18 inch wheels. And in terms of long-term quality Honda is always in the top third of the manufacturer.