Honda CR-V Review

The competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has been growing increasingly intense in recent years. Consumers not only pursue practical space but also value a balance between power and features. The 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo S, as the entry-level turbocharged version in the series, has attracted the attention of many family users with its updated design, 193PS power output, and superior safety features. This test drive focuses on its static experience, dynamic performance, and daily practicality to see if it can stand out among similarly priced models.

Approaching the 2024 CR-V 1.5L Turbo S, you can immediately feel its tougher aura compared to the previous version. The front features Honda's latest large-size chrome grille, paired with a blackened lower bumper for a more robust appearance. The body side lines are smooth, with a waistline extending from the front fenders to the rear, adding a muscular feel. The 235/65 R17 tire specification balances comfort and handling capability. At the rear, the L-shaped LED taillights echo the front headlights, offering high recognizability when illuminated. The silver skid plate on the rear bumper adds a touch of off-road flair to the SUV. Overall, the design looks more imposing compared to the 2021 model, while detailed refinements align it with current aesthetic trends.

Opening the door, the interior adopts Honda's classic symmetrical layout. The dashboard primarily uses soft-touch materials complemented by silver trim, enhancing the quality feel compared to the previous model. The 7-inch TFT instrument panel delivers clear information, showing real-time speed, fuel consumption, and the status of driving assistance systems. The 7-inch Display Audio infotainment system supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia features, with a simple and intuitive operation. In terms of features, keyless entry, push-button start, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat are all standard, providing good daily convenience. The dual-zone automatic climate control for the front is precise in adjustment, and rear air conditioning vents ensure the comfort of rear passengers, catering well to family car requirements.

Space performance is a traditional strength of the CR-V, and the 2024 model boasts dimensions of 4691mm×1866mm×1681mm with a wheelbase of 2701mm, a clear increase compared to the 2021 model (wheelbase 2660mm). The front seats provide moderate support, and with a 180cm tall individual in the seat, there is a headroom of about a fist and two fingers of space. The rear legroom offers more than two fists of space, ensuring no cramped feeling even during long journeys. The floor at the rear is nearly flat, ensuring comfort for the middle passenger as well. In terms of storage, the door compartments can hold two large bottles of mineral water, the central armrest box is fairly deep, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 ratio. Once folded, the trunk space can be further expanded to accommodate larger items.

In terms of performance, the 1.5L turbocharged engine offers a maximum power of 193PS and a maximum torque of 243N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, the power response is relatively positive, and the initial acceleration phase does not feel sluggish. When pressing the accelerator deeply, the maximum torque is achieved at 5000 rpm, and the performance during acceleration and overtaking is confident. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.7 seconds, meeting the needs of urban commuting and highway driving. The transmission shifts smoothly without obvious jerks, although there is a slight delay in RPM rise during sudden acceleration.

The handling performance meets the positioning of a household SUV. The steering wheel has a moderate turning force, with minimal dead zone, making it easy to drive on a daily basis. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup, which is tuned for comfort. It can filter out most minor vibrations when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, allowing passengers inside the car to barely feel noticeable bumps. When cornering at high speeds, the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, and there is no sense of instability. During the test drive, the measured combined fuel consumption was approximately 7.2L/100km, which is close to the official figure of 7L/100km, reflecting good fuel efficiency.

In terms of driving comfort, the cabin's soundproofing performance is at a medium level within its class. At speeds below 60km/h, tire and wind noise are not noticeable. At higher speeds, wind noise increases but does not interfere with normal conversation. The seat cushioning has a moderate softness, providing sufficient lumbar support for long periods of sitting without causing fatigue. For safety features, it comes standard with 5 airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, forward collision warning, and ACC adaptive cruise control, which provide adequate safety assurance for daily driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo S lie in its improved space, smooth power delivery, and comprehensive safety features. Compared to competitors in the same price range, it has a longer wheelbase and more spacious rear seating. The 193PS power output ranks at the top level among vehicles with the same displacement. Its safety features cover the necessary active and passive safety functions for everyday driving. However, the 7-inch central control screen is relatively small and does not support more advanced smart connectivity features, which is a drawback.

This model is suitable for families who value spacious practicality, smooth performance, and safety features. It is capable of meeting daily commuting needs, weekend family outings, or short road trips. If you're on a budget but want a reliable family SUV, the 2024 CR-V 1.5L Turbo S is a great choice. It continues the CR-V series' reputation for reliability and practicality while upgrading its design and features, making it a well-rounded family SUV.