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2007 Honda CR-V
Modulo Test Drive
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3RD VS 2ND |
K20A VS R20A |
2007 CRV vs Kia/Naza Sorento |
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There are already tons of different reviews by
motoring Journalist on the 2007 Honda CRV or better known as the third
generation CRV here in Malaysia. We decided to take a different route
to gauge this car worthiness, one is through a direct comparison with
its older brother the second generation CRV and with its el comprendo
the KIA Sorento.
Honda Malaysia provided us with the a full spec car fitted with
premium package Modulo bodykit that will cost a premium of about RM
7,360. We'd say that its worth it to get the package as it would only
cost you around RM 90 extra on your monthly payment. But if you do not
have the extra RM 90 to spend monthly there is no need to worry as the
17 inch wheels come standard.
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parking beside the Nissan
X-Trail |
if only we got another week to
spend then it would be possible to do a shoot-out with Nissan
X-Trail
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Equipped with a Modulo bodykit
( Premium ) |
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a good company during the MME
2007 |
Parking beside a Kia/Naza
Sorento |
Picture by Fahmi |
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Interior
and cargo space
As for all new generation car it brings numerous
interior upgrades compared to the second generation. The new CRV
offers more space than before with a much better legroom for the front
and rear passengers. The dashboard is nicer but is still molded from
the same kind of plastic as the second generation CRV.The standard
2 Din Kenwood unit offered in 2nd gen CRV is replaced with a much more user friendly unit
capable of playing MP3 with an auxiliary port so you can plug in that iPod of yours.
We liked the bigger control buttons - they are soo SUV ! Nice too
hold,easy to grip,fun to fiddling around.
Other noticeable changes
were the repositioned gear level just below the dual zone air-cond
control ( yay no more awkward gear level in 2nd gen ) ,visual informations display ( VID ) on the cluster meter
,foot parking brake and the seat belt reminder ( ting..ting..ting gosh
we hate that sound )
The cargo area is acceptable but this wont definitely fit a
description as a pasar borong hauler; for maximum cargo the rear
seat can be folded capable of fitting a few cartons of 'minuman sukan'.
Front
seats too small ?
The front bucket seats however does not give us that
comfortable feeling for someone who weighs over 90 Kgs.The arm rest is
a bit high and uncomfortable too compared to the last one.If only it
comes with an electric seats with some multiple adjustments than it
would be just fine. We were also disappointed with the dashboard
materials as we were expecting something much better like the one you
found in the new Kia Spectra and Optima the type that flexes back when
you push on it.
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a clean break from the
traditional boxy 1st & 2nd genearation CRV |
the front end carries its own
signature styling - simple yet muscular ;distintive 2 level grill |
the steering wheel is
lighter compared to the 2nd gen. |
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Run on quietness |
broad shoulders, smoothly
lines, bold chrome grill give CRV the wide athletic stance
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the boxy 2nd gen |
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Pictures by Fahmi |
the new CR-V is wider but
shorter than the previous model
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3 inches shorter than the
previous model hence the smaller cargo space |
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Driving impressions
As a crossover SUV the CRV is fun to toss around like a normal
sedan thanks to the new suspension setup,it offers you an excellent balance when taking corners at high
speed - and yes thanks to the wider tyres too ( 225/65/R17 ), off
course with the
help of front McPherson struts and rear multi-link system giving this
SUV an enhance driving stability and riding comfort all day long. In
other word the highly rigid body result in a very calm and smooth
cabin with nimble handling performance.
We were initially skeptical about the R20A powertrain but it
does delivers the most important variable in owning a car, the fuel
mileage it offered is definitely much better than the 2nd gen that was
equipped with the K20A although the latter will provide you much more
fun at higher revs. The R20A provider as a better performance at lower
revs.
This SUV can really turns
head .The looks alone can make any SUV felt uneasy. Everytime we
stopped at the traffic lights they'll be an attempt for a quick
quarter mile race from other SUVs. A quick sprint happen between a Kia
Sorento and the CR-V but obviously the 2.4 DOHC powertrain win hands down.
Unsatisfied with its
performance we arranged a shootout between the DOHC K20A i-VTEC and
SOHC R20A i-VTEC and the result shall surprise us all. ( video here -
soon )
All in all we give this 2007 Honda CR-V two thumbs up and would
recommend anyone who like the roominess of a SUV but dont like to
carry people around,who like the 4WD system of but dislike going off
road,and one who like the height and length of a SUV but hate a long
tail wagon. This car gonna worth every penny u spent. The base model
cost you around RM 147,000 and comes with 3 years warranty.
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The spare tyre sits at the
back on the second gen CR-V |
Its no more an ugly site at
the back
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Although the spare tyre in the
2nd gen can be tucked in or hanging out - we still like the liftgate
offered in 3rd gen CR-V |
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The power liftgate offered in
the new gen is definitely a welcome change - you just need to tap the
handle and it will open wide with a very nifty push |
It provides better usability
for the user
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Notice the 15 inch against the
17 inch wheels and the 8-storey building. |
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So 2007 CR-V vs Kia Sorento ?
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We faced some challenged with
a Kia Sorento during our test drive ; just with the new looks even a 2.4
liter Sorento felt it was being challenged
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well the CR-V stand no chance
against the big Sorento.. |
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more pictures & review
>> |
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