Honda CR-V long-term test: report 4

The car: Honda CR-V 2.0i-MMD Hybrid 2WD SR eCVT Run by: Will Williams, senior photographer

Why it’s here: To find out if the new breed of hybrid SUVs handle not-very-urban driving

Needs to: Be comfortable, smooth-riding and economical on a colossal commute, with plenty of space for photography equipment

Price £35,570 Price as tested £36,420 Miles 9864 Official economy 49.6mpg (WLTP) Test economy 41.2mpg Options fitted Premium Crystal Red paint (£850)

26 July 2019 – On your bike

During a recent holiday to the Brecon Beacons, I thought I might finally defeat the Honda CR-V's load-lugging ability, but ultimately the scoresheet was once again CR-V 1, photographer 0.

I wanted to take my full suspension XC bike along, you see, because we were staying near Brechfa Forest & the Black Mountain. And just to make things harder, I didn't want to have to faff around with putting the bike rack on late on a Friday night, so hoped to just slide the bike in the boot.

Fortunately, while the CR-V Hybrid has a slightly smaller boot than the non-hybrid model, it's still absolutely huge. Plus, folding the rear seats couldn't be easier because you just have to pull on boot-mounted levers.

Ultimately, with the bike's front seat and saddle removed, it went in with plenty of space to spare. And sliding it in was a doddle, thanks to the boot floor being flush with the sill.

Once the bike was strapped to the side it left a deep and square cavern for the rest of our holiday gear. And there was even room on the return journey for newly purchased sheepskin rugs, Welsh cider and lamb joints. Bonus.  

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