Features

2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS first drive – the best CR-V ever, but…

Apr 9, 2024 6:26 pm

The Honda CR-V needs no introduction. It is one of the most recognisable SUV nameplates around the world, including Malaysia. Now in its sixth generation, could the CR-V remain on its throne as one of Malaysians’ favourite SUVs? And more importantly, is this the best CR-V ever? We were invited by Honda Malaysia to take the all-new CR-V e:HEV RS for a drive to Penang to find out.

The 2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS at a glance:

Power unit	i-MMD hybrid system, 2.0-litre NA engine
Transmission	e-CVT
System horsepower	184 hp (metric) @ 5,000 – 8,000 rpm
System torque	335 Nm @ 0 – 2,000 rpm
0-100 km/h; Top speed	9.0 seconds; 187 km/h
Price	RM195,900

2024 Honda CR-V design: the best-looking CR-V ever

Let’s start with one of the criteria Malaysians consider most when buying a car – looks. I’m not going to beat around the bush but tell you right away that this is indeed the best-looking CR-V ever.

The previous generation (fifth-gen) CR-V had a rather dynamic and muscular-looking exterior already, and was easily the most daring-looking CR-V ever, at least before the current iteration came into existence. Honda essentially took that recipe and refined it, resulting in a CR-V that looks all grown up and more mature than before. This is especially evident with the top-of-the-range e:HEV RS variant. Yes, the Volvo-esque taillights are still here, but it does work pretty well for the CR-V, jelling nicely with the rest of the design.

I might only have one complaint with the sixth generation Honda CR-V’s exterior design though, which are the wheels found on the more affordable S, E, and V turbocharged variants. To recap, the S variant wears a set of 17-inch five double-spoke wheels, while the E and V sport larger 18-inch units with a different design.

Both wheel designs are finished in the single-tone Sparkle Silver paint and might be up your alley if you like minimalism, or just dislike black wheels in general. However, they can look a little plain and “low-spec” when put beside the e:HEV RS’ black wheels. A dual-tone design could have easily helped them look a little more premium.

2024 Honda CR-V performance – more advanced and refined than ever

Powering the 2024 Honda CR-V are two powertrain options – the 2.0-litre i-MMD hybrid system found on the top-spec e:HEV RS, which is new for the CR-V lineup, and the familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC petrol engine found in the S, E, and V variants. Let’s focus on the more exciting 2.0-litre hybrid option.

Similar to the hybrid setup found in the Honda Civic e:HEV RS, this i-MMD hybrid system sports a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine paired with an electric motor and an e-CVT gearbox, resulting in 184 hp (metric) and 335 Nm driving the front wheels. The electric motor is the one feeding power to the wheels most of the time, while the engine acts as a generator.

Honda engineers did explain to us that the engine will kick in whenever extra power is needed or when the battery needs to be charged, depending on the throttle input and travelling speed. The engine can also work by itself for maximum efficiency.

Thanks to the instant torque delivery from the electric motor, acceleration and overtaking were effortless with the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS. When operating in full-electric mode, the ride in the CR-V hybrid became pretty quiet. It was also noticeably quieter than the CR-V turbo even when under full throttle, making it one of the quietest CR-Vs ever sold in Malaysia.

However, the CR-V hybrid’s overall soundproofing and cabin refinement are still not on the same level as its competitors such as the Mazda CX-5. This is also true when it comes to the CR-V’s ride and handling. Don’t get us wrong, the new CR-V’s NVH is still much improved over its predecessors in terms of its NVH as well as ride and handling performance. It is also perfectly capable of keeping up with the typical Malaysian driving style.

One aspect the CR-V e:HEV RS loses out against the 1.5-litre turbo variants is in terms of the smoothness of its powertrain. Not having to switch between the electric motor and engine constantly makes the turbo variants a smoother car to drive, despite the lack of torque and overall louder engine.

2024 Honda CR-V interior – Honda practicality, perfected

Moving inside the 2024 Honda CR-V, you’ll get a sense of deja vu as its interior is pretty much brought over from the Civic. This translates to a youthful interior that comes with a tinge of premium-ness.

We also appreciate Honda providing us with physical buttons and knobs on the infotainment display and the aircon controls, rather than forcing us to do all that through the touchscreen. These are things we shouldn’t take for granted in the era of “minimalism” and “cost optimisation”.

The front seats were comfortable and supported us well on our journey to and from Penang. Sitting at the back was also a great experience as we were provided with tonnes of legroom, thanks to the lack of third-row seats, which some other markets get. Thigh support was pretty decent as well, making the CR-V a great car to sit in on long-distance journeys.

One genius feature the 2024 Honda CR-V incorporates is the slidable rear seats. This not only makes the CR-V’s second-row a comfortable place to be in, but also allows easy ingress and egress for elderlies like our parents, or those who are physically challenged.

One member of the media shared with us how the slidable rear seats proved useful in providing an abundance of space for his children’s child seats. Carrying larger items has also been made easier, and combined with the enormous boot the CR-V has at the back, it makes the CR-V one of the greatest family SUVs in its segment, as long as you don’t need to carry more than 4 people.

2024 Honda CR-V verdict – easily the best CR-V ever

At this point, it is obvious to see that we greatly enjoyed our time with the 2024 Honda CR-V. Suffice it to say, this is indeed the best CR-V ever and is certainly as practical as it has always been known to be.

Should you buy one? The answer is yes. But if what you’re looking for is a driving experience with the most fun, the best ride quality, and NVH in the business, or perhaps a third row of seats, you do have other options that will suit you better out there.

What Honda has proven with its latest CR-V is that it still knows how to make a great SUV that you and your family can greatly rely on, while pushing the innovation envelope. If the “OG” first-gen CR-V were a person, he would certainly be looking at its latest successor smiling with immense pride.

GALLERY