HONDA CR-V (2018)

After five successive generations of Honda CRVs (four in India), Honda has managed to fit it with a diesel engine along with extra seating of third row making it bigger, better and more comfortable than its predecessors. With its higher specs and more seating capacity, it sure does draw a lot of attention for the large Indian family based customers. On the outside, it does look a bit longer and wider to accommodate the third row of seats. With its new chunky chrome grills, larger glasshouse and bigger rear wheel arches, the new CRV gives a more desirable, sporty and cool look than its 2017 version. Talking about its interior, the CRV comes with elegance and feeling of sitting in a premium SUV. Faux wood on the door pads, piano black strip on dashboard gives you an air of quality. A 7-inch infotainment system with also 7-inch digital display, on steer controls and other latest gizmos are present in all versions. Ivory leather seats give the entire cabin a brighter look. But when it comes to seating comfort, looks like Honda may have compromised with it by a nudge. While the people sitting it in the front have nothing to worry about, but if you are over 5' 11" and get to sit in the 2nd row, it might be a problem. Insufficient legroom and lack of headroom in diesel versions is something to think about, although it won't be an issue if it's a petrol CR-V as it comes with a 5-seater. Talking about modifications inside the hood, the Honda CR-V has two options to choose from. It comes with an all-wheel drive in diesel or front wheel drive in its petrol version. While the 1.6-litre turbocharged i-DTEC engine provides a steady 120PS of power, the 9 speed AMT surely makes the Honda CRV a level up from its competitors. Final verdict, The Honda CRV may not be as flashy as it could get but it does provide a more sensible and appealing tone to it. It's not perfect, clumsy 3rd-row seats and low horsepower being the banes, there is a lot in more in this car that meets the eye.