The 2013 Honda CR-V VTi-L. Moving Forward, One Step At A Time.

OK, so what you see before you is the new and improved 2013 Honda CR-V. Honda has taken the advise of it’s hundreds of thousands of drivers across the globe, and then funneled it into what you see before you now.

The 2013 CR-V has been transformed into a more noticeable, curvaceous compact SUV that for the most part stands out among the rest of SUV’s that the CR-V is in direct competition with. As we let our eyes take a small journey from the front of the car to the rear, you will notice the two tone body paneling establishes a look of prestige, and poise when the car isn’t moving. When the car does actually get moving, it looks a lot better than it’s smaller sibling the Civic. The CR-V’s slightly noticeable shortened length allows for better road handling skills, and more confidence on those tight turns. Visibility is not an issue in this model, were all of the windows provide clear and unobstructed views of the road. The top of the line model, (CR-V VTi-L) comes with HID head lamps, and LED taillights that also make looking at this car, that much more pleasurable.

The interior of the 2013 CR-V has been improved as far as space is concerned. Up front you will find Honda’s well known massive speedometer vying for all of the attention in the plastic clad gauge pod. In all of the models the front deck is a bit of a let down due to Honda’s choice in the amount of hard, and unfriendly feeling plastic molding used here. The center console has been slightly angled towards the driver, and it too suffers from a bit “Bargain Brand” shopping. The shift lever is well placed but the shiny bits around look a bit tatty. Although front seating is comfortable, Honda could have stood to use a bit more leg support in this ride. Rear seating has an all around welcoming feel to it, whereas in the VTi-L model the leather wrapped seats keep you planted for the entire ride. Leg room is plentiful, even for the some of the tallest of men who didn’t call “Shotgun” when they had the chance.

The boot area has been given a new lease of life where it can occupy a full 555 liters of space, and then when the driver pushes the “One touch fold flat rear seats” the space nearly triples to the number of 1648 liters of rear boot space. With the rear door opening up very wide, plenty of drivers would be looking forward to spending the night out with their loved ones.

Power for the VTi-L model comes in the form of a 2.4L Inline four cylinder engine that produces 140Kw of power and a stout 220Nm of torque, which is delivered to the wheels via a 4WD transmission. Fuel consumption on this particular model hovers around 10.6l/100km. Another great feature of this particular model is the paddle shifters it comes with. The Speed Racer feel kicks in when you’re motoring down the highway, or switching lanes as you remain in full control of the shift points as you switch gears with the strategically mounted shift paddles.

Overall the 2013 Honda CR-V has been made to fight for a place at the top of the small SUV market. Even with it’s stunning good looks, and fabulous exterior, Honda dropped the ball on the interior looks of the car. For what it’s worth if a car is kind of nice looking on the outside, then that only means the inside should be absolutely fabulous. Not so much here. Anyway it’s only my opinion that you’re hearing. Take a look see for yourself, and then choose. If anything the 2.4L 4WD would be the best out of all of them. Mainly because you don’t want any issues with gravel or muddy conditions in a 2WD car.