Responsive and quiet turbo-diesel; hallmark Honda quality; spacious interior
Some cockpit controls not particularly intuitive
It’s taken four model generations but Honda’s CR-V mid-size SUV now has an available turbo-diesel engine. In a standout segment which is still growing by double-digits annually, Honda reckons the CR-V turbo-diesel powerplant will rack-up monthly sales of 150 units as the models grows to 1,000 sales per month.
Launching the CR-V diesel, Honda Australia chief Stephen Collins admitted the company was late to the market with a diesel – previous management focussed on petrol and hybrid engines. The processes of product planning, homologation and compliance are such the company couldn’t quickly turn-on the tap and crank-up sourcing of the diesel variant in the blink of an eye.
But now Honda’s hot-selling CR-V has a turbo diesel – and it’s a slick engine – to go with the features and practicality which have made it so popular with Australian families.
Honda CRV Diesel Overview
Honda has launched the CR-V diesel in two model grades – entry-grade DTi-S and the upscale DTi-L. Prices start at $38,290.
The CR-V diesel arrives in Australia flying the Union Jack flag as it’s sourced from Honda’s acclaimed British plant in Swindon. And it does feature some minor distinguishing features compared to the petrol models – different trim materials inside (chrome/black colours replace timber), unique leather trim for DTi-L, a matt grey front grille, rear privacy glass (DTi-L) and LED combination rear lights among them.
As we know, Honda has the CR-V smartly specified for Australian buyers with the entry-level DTi-S diesel running a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, satellite navigation, reversing camera, cruise control with speed limiter, electronic four-wheel-drive system with intelligent control, adjustable hill descent control, trailer stability assist system, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED DRLs.
Amongst its extras, Honda CR-V diesel DTi-L (five-speed automatic only) gains 18-inch alloy wheels, leather interior, eight-way power adjustment for the drivers’ seat, roof rails, HID bi-xenon headlights, active cornering lights and front parking sensors.
The full lineup is:
DTi-S manual $38,290
DTi-S automatic $40,590
DTi-L automatic $45,340
Honda CRV Diesel Engine
Power comes from Honda’s ‘i-DTEC’ 2.2-litre, DOHC four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine – a modern turbo-diesel with common rail direct injection.
Maximum power is 110kW at 4000rpm and peak torque of 350Nm is delivered between 2000-2750rpm. Honda’s European-sourced turbo-diesel complies with Euro 5 emissions requirements and provides combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.8l/100kms (DTi-S manual) or 6.7l/100kms (DTi-S auto).
It’s an all-alloy engine with particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation to aid clean exhaust emissions and improve efficiency.
As usual with Honda, there’s a cockpit ‘Econ’ button as part of the ‘Eco Assist’ system which alters throttle mapping, air-conditioning and cruise control functions to optimize fuel consumption (a green illumination around the speedometer confirms you’re in ‘Econ’ mode) and Honda’s system is definitely one of the best of these sorts.
Drive is via Honda’s technically interesting ‘Real Time 4WD with Intelligent Control System’. Normally front-wheel-drive, the electronic activation of Honda’s all-paw system is claimed to provide a faster response.
Honda CRV Diesel The Interior
The key stats most CR-V buyers are interested in are those for luggage and in that department Honda has a strong story to tell. The CR-V diesel provides 556-litres with the rear seat in-place or up to 1120-litres when folded.
The other area where the latest fourth-generation Honda CR-V steals an edge over its predecessors and many segment rivals is rear seat space – 972mm of leg-room, 1432mm of shoulder room and 1349mm of hip room.
Behind the wheel, the CR-V provides an excellent range of steering wheel adjustment (rake and reach) and as we know, the usual high-quality Honda layout for instruments. The British-sourced diesel variant runs a chrome/black colour scheme in place of the wood-grain look of the petrol version and the leather in the DTi-L model is a unique style.
Honda CRV Diesel Exterior & Styling
We’ve always liked the look of the Honda CR-V and in our eyes the latest fourth-generation model (an evolution rather than a revolution) looks the best. In particular (in comparison to the previous generation) Honda has done a stylish job on the hallmark CR-V rear three-quarters and the distinctive C-pillars.
Diesel models can be identified by a matt grey front grille, unique headlights and LED DRLs plus slightly revised rear combination LED lights.
Honda CRV Diesel On The Road
Honda Australia reckons its rural dealers have been sweating on the arrival of the diesel-powered CR-V as much as their mates in the city…so in that context sent us to cattle country in Wagga Wagga to sample the newcomer. During a full day, Car Showroom drove all three models.
Country folk as well as those in the city who tow trailers will be clamouring for the Honda CR-V DTi-S with the six-speed manual transmission and they’ll find nicely-space ratios and handy acceleration. Honda’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel likes to rev a bit more than some rivals and this is reflected in strong torque delivery where you need it most – in the mid-range.
Although some rivals boast six-speed automatic transmissions, it must be said Honda’s five-speeder is a beauty with barely-perceptible shifts between ratios as we traversed the hills around Wagga and nice response in the twisty stuff.
Underneath, the CR-V diesel runs the same MacPherson strut front/multi-link rear suspension as the petrol model. Ride comfort is good and handling is generally precise (just a tad more body roll than some rivals).
In all the conditions we tackled during the day, Honda’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel was admirably refined and quiet.
Honda CRV Diesel Challenges
We’re only deducting points for the cruise control and speed limiter buttons in the Honda CR-V. Just like when we first drove the petrol model we had to consult the owners manual to clarify how to differentiate (d’oh…it’s actually straight-forward).
Honda CRV Diesel Verdict
The Honda CR-V is definitely on our radar in this segment and the diesel version is a long-overdue addition to the range. We like the CR-V’s clever design (the fourth-generation model provides more interior space than previous rivals without going gargantuan on the outside) and we’ve always liked the cockpit of the CR-V (typical Honda it’s driver-focussed).
Now we have a diesel model, sourced from Europe where diesels rule, and it’s a pearler – refined and nicely matched to the CR-V’s chassis.
What’s not to like?
Honda CRV The Competition
Also boasting a European connection is Ford’s German-created Kuga. A bit more coin that the CR-V diesel ($39,240 and $47,740 for the turbo-diesels), Kuga delivers standout looks and driving dynamics, virtually identical engine performance but perhaps not the interior space of the CR-V (bring your tape measure when comparing).
Kia Sportage still has the looks despite not being the latest design in this league and its 392Nm of torque is impressive from the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. A $35,490 starting price for the Sportage is also attractive.
Mazda CX-5 is of course the segment’s superstar. That 420Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is a gem and the CX-5’s driving dynamics are only matched by the Ford Kuga. You’ll need $39,470 to $49,420 however and on long journeys we find the Mazda’s seats a bit on the hard side.
