Honda Corporation of Japan is known as a leading manufacturer of cars of various classes. In the line of compact crossovers in the SUV category, the Honda SRV model dominates. In 2013, mass production of the fourth generation of the popular brand began.
History reference
Powerful SUVs that can overcome any obstacles have always attracted the attention of motorists. However, large dimensions, "gluttony" and high cost are the constraining factors in their distribution.
In the 1990s, automakers proposed a way out of the impasse. Crossovers were born - vehicles that simulate cross-country vehicles. They have a characteristic design, increased ground clearance, more robust construction, economy (in comparison with full-size SUVs) and are equipped with all-wheel drive in a number of trim levels.
One of the first models of the new class was the Honda CRV (based on the Civic platform), the presentation of which took place back in 1996. Over the past time, the brand has become the most popular in this segment, having won many awards and becoming one of the locomotives of the company's development.
The new concept of Honda SRV 2013 model year was demonstrated at the Orange County Motor Show (USA). Although the overall dimensions of generations, separated by decades, remain similar, cars differ in design and technical stuff like heaven and earth.
Appearance
If we compare the photo of the Honda SRV in 2013 with a representative of the first generation, it becomes obvious how far the design idea has advanced over the past 15-20 years. The 1990 CRV is a standard of practicality without any significant design frills: a neat body with smooth corners, wide and tall windows, massive unpainted bumpers, large rectangular headlights.
“Honda SRV” in 2013, on the contrary, is a car with character: bright, daring, with a swift silhouette, defying the city bustle and grayness of everyday life. I would like to quickly sit in his comfortable "womb" and surrender to the road wherever she leads. The front of the model has a complex structure, it is redundant with interesting design finds. Perhaps this attracts attention for a long time. The wide chrome radiator grille seems to float on the headlights, merging with them into a single whole. The bumper, on the contrary, is narrow, of an original chopped design, with large "nostrils" in which foglights are hidden.
No less eclectic looks the rear of the Honda SRV 2013. It, like a designer, consists of many details. The trunk and sidewalls are cut with complex stampings. Taillights run up to the roof. In this case, the body does not look rough. The epithets are more suited to the description of the car: fashionable, relevant, sports.
Interior
The comfort level of the Honda SRV 2013 release will surely satisfy even the most demanding car owners. Thought out to the smallest detail seats with lateral support elements are equipped with a wide range of settings. Needless to say, the seats are folding in order to increase the volume of the cabin for the transportation of overall things. By the way, the transformation is controlled by a special lever located in the trunk. Both leather and velor (in the version with a 2-liter engine) can act as upholstery.
Adjusting the steering wheel for height and inclination, as well as a high ceiling, comfortably accommodate tall and full drivers, while not causing discomfort to rear passengers. Despite the fact that the glazing area is smaller than in previous generations, visibility is good.
Dashboard
The dashboard is nothing short of conceptual. A chrome-plated rim encircles the entire structure from below, and flows like mercury to the gearbox selector. The checkpoint, by the way, is located high - on a kind of tide of the center console. A number of steering wheel and door elements are also decorated with chrome.
The three-segment instrument scale is located in a deep well that protects from the sun. The center console is equipped to the eyeballs: here is the on-board computer screen, and the information display located above (showing time and technical information), and an audio system, and air conditioning. The steering wheel and armrest of the door are strewn with control keys.
Specifications
Honda SRV 2013 can be equipped with five types of engines:
- 2.0L R20A I4.
- 2.4L K24Z I4.
- 2.4L K24W I4.
- 1.6L i-DTEC I4 (Europe only).
- 2.2L i-DTEC I4.
The most optimal in terms of high-torque, speed and economy is the modification with a 2.4-liter linear engine i-VTEC with a capacity of 185 liters. from. and 220 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm, equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), designed from the ground up, with an intelligent control system.
All North American CRVs are equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The diesel version for Europe amid the struggle for total energy savings can be equipped with a 9-speed automatic. Machines with a 6-speed manual transmission are also supplied to different countries of the world.
Other features of the Honda SRV 2013:
- Length - 4.53 m.
- Height - 1.65 m.
- Width - 1.82 m.
- Wheelbase - 2.62 m.
- Drive: front; full.
Security
The design of the Honda CRV has the latest safety and emergency systems. The key is Honda's passive Advanced Compatibility Engineering. It implies the use of several steel grades (at least four) for the production of the carcass and bodywork, which, in the event of a collision, are crushed in some areas and remain strong in others. As a result, impact energy is distributed in such a way as to protect not only passengers, but also key components of the machine.
Also included in the standard package are airbags, traction control, brake booster amplifiers, clutch overheating sensors in all-wheel drive versions, a rear view camera, etc. The average rating according to the results of American and European crash tests is high - it corresponds to five stars for most parameters.
Reviews
“Honda SRV” 2.0 L 2013 is the weakest of the presented modifications. A 155-horsepower engine is not always enough for a fairly heavy one and a half ton machine. The lack of traction is especially felt on overtaking when interacting with an automatic transmission, “sharpened” for maximum fuel economy. Even with all-wheel drive, this modification is not intended for off-road driving. However, the capabilities of the budget version are enough for a comfortable ride on asphalt at speeds up to 120 km / h, and on a dirt road 60-70 km / h.
Modifications with a 2.4-liter engine look much more interesting. Here, the dynamics, playfulness when overtaking and even some off-road qualities are fully felt. Highly raised bumper does not catch the ground during steep climbs, and the bottom is securely hidden under a plastic casing. In addition, there is a richer set. In the upholstery, instead of velor (in version 2.0L), solid leather is used, plastic is more expensive and wear-resistant.