But Honda believes in success. In the case of the CR-V, increased success will come by sticking to the straight and narrow. Yes, even I was disappointed that Honda bothered to release new images of the CR-V considering its lack of change. They say the front fascia has been altered with a new grille and bumper. Wheels on the upper-end models use ten spokes now, an increase of three spokes. Per wheel.
More significant changes can be found underneath the only-slightly-tinkered-with exterior. Horsepower jumps by fourteen at the same time as fuel economy rises by one mile per gallon in both the city and on the highway; both on 4WD and 2WD models. The 2.4L is still relatively torqueless. Only 161 lb-ft of twist is generated at best; which isn't until 4,400 rpm. Then again, the CR-V isn't a very large vehicle. A wheelbase of 103.1 inches and a basic curb weight of less than 3,400 pounds makes the power available plenty, perhaps.
Moving inside, the CR-V offers up enough space for the EPA to qualify it as a large sedan.... if it were... umm, a four-door car. Indeed, chief amongst reasons tens of thousands of Americans buy a CR-V each month is this space. Passengers enjoy 103.8 cubic feet of oxygen. 35.7 cubic feet of cargo space is available behind the second row.
The CR-V doesn't try to be something it's not. Though unavoidably dull and not the least bit sporty, Honda's CR-V became the ideal family vehicle for 30,284 people in the USA in August. Combined sales of the Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda Ridgeline, and Honda Element total 10,000 less. Despite a huge increase in Hyundai Santa Fe sales, that SUV's total was only one-third of the CR-V's August sales. Toyota witnessed a huge gain in RAV4 sales, too, but still fewer than 20,000 were sold in August.
Lots of space, a little bit of pace, and a modicum of grace: even Jaguar's Sir William Lyons would've been able to see why the CR-V was succeeding in the American Marketplace.
Honda CR-V 2009 Sales:
August: 30,284
July: 19,151
June: 13,720
May: 14,550
April: 12,175
March: 12,959
February: 12,370
January: 13,143
Year-To-Date: 128,352
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