The 2002 Honda CR-V has been among the best SUVs to grace our roads in the recent past. But Honda just had to better itself, and what better way to do it than to being in the latest. The 2005 CR-V is certainly an improvement, says Vikrant Singh in has first drive report.

Trust Honda to understand customer needs to the fullest. A great example of which is the new City. The car is cheaper than its earlier namesake, returns better fuel economy, and even though its performance or looks don't match up to the latter, it is still outselling the old City by a considerable margin.

The latest CR-V, also being brought in through the CBU route, on the outset, is a shade better looking that the outgoing model. The first thing that catches your eye on the outside are the minutely redesigned front bumpers which are also body coloured now, in addition to a new grille. All of which, says the company, contributes towards better aerodynamics. The headlamps undergo a change as well compared to the 2002 model year CR-V, and for the better we say, as she now exudes a more blunt and rugged look The new CR-V also gets fog lamps as standard.

Moving over to the side, there isn't much to distinguish between the two models, barring the new 16" alloy wheels shod with 215/65 rubber. The new alloys are a better design than the earlier ones, and thanks to increased wheel size and broader rubber, expect the SUV to handle better as well.

As for the rear, superior finished tail lamps and body coloured bumpers add some freshness to the otherwise old design. On the inside, the interiors are identical to that on the earlier CR-V with only the leather upholstery and dashboard now carrying beige finish instead of matt black. Not that we are complaining, as the interiors of this SUV are one of the better-designed ones in the country.

The most significant improvement though has been in the engine and transmission department. The SUV is now offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox in addition to an excellent 5-speed auto 'box. The manual 'box would be welcomed by enthusiasts who did appreciate the ease of driving offered by the old 4-speed auto, but just did not have enough fun to drive factor coupled to it. The manual 'box is a smooth and precise unit and is ergonomically positioned as well. The auto 'box meanwhile uses grade logic control system which constantly compares engine speed with load, to predict the ideal shift pattern.

As for the real time 4WD system, it works full time with bulk of the power being transmitted to the front wheels unless called for in sticky situations like dirt or gravel roads, imparting more stability and traction in the bargain. This system is a boon in snowy conditions, but then, this is India, a tropical country. The system helps save on fuel as well compared to regular and conventional 4WD systems. This is not a true off-road system though, without a dual-range transfer case or locking differentials or anything of the sort.

Under the hood, the CR-V gets the more powerful 2.4 litre i-VTEC DOHC 16-valve powerplant, first seen on the seventh generation Accord in India. However the similar capacity mill develops 154PS of exhilarating power in the SUV against 144PS in the Accord. The torque ratings too for the CR-V are better at 215Nm as compared to 196Nm for the car. The better power and torque characteristics of the engine coupled with a kerb weight of 1500kg (50kg more for the automatic) which lend the SUV a power to weight ratio of 102.6PS per tonne to be precise, come to the fore the minute you step on the pedal. The driveability of the car is impressive as well, without the need of frequent gear changes on the manual version. As for engine refinement, the Hondas are on a different plane altogether and the new CR-V is no different. It also incorporates drive-by wire, a welcome addition.

The CR-V, as is well known, is based on Honda's global compact car platform which is also shared by the Civic. The monocoque chassis is suspended on independent MacPherson struts up front with toe-control- link, while at the rear it's left to independent double wishbones with reactive-link to impart improved ride quality. Even though the suspensions are set on the softer side, there is no compromise on the handling front.

Add to it, ABS and EBD assisted braking system complete with ventilated brake discs in front and a combination of disc and drums at the rear, and the CR-V urges you push her harder. The drum brakes meanwhile are essentially employed to handle duties for the parking brake.

Further, the CR-V has a four-star rating against her name in the Euro NCAP and not surprisingly so, as it comes equipped with dual and side airbags, besides the monocoque being developed with Honda's G-force control technology for better distribution of forces during an impact.

So there you have it: if you are looking for an SUV with the convenience, road manners, and equipment of a luxury car, but image and space of an SUV, the new CR-V does seem a likely contender. But add to it Honda's almost bulletproof reliability and good service attitude, and you really don't need to look any further.