Wrapped around this amazing drivetrain is a body shell that’s best described as “unique”.  When Honda was in the process of designing the CR-V, its main mission was to alleviate the dullness from its cars.  The resulting car is anything but, but at the same time, it’s not exactly considered universally beautiful.  From some angles, the CR-V does look good.  Though shorter in overall length than the previous model, it actually rides on a longer wheelbase.  It results in all four wheels pushed more towards the corners, making the CR-V look sportier and much more athletic than before.  The sweeping greenhouse, creased door panels and monotone color all contribute to its sporty demeanor.  From the rear, designers have taken a cautious approach, opting to retain the trademark pillar tail lamps on this model.  What they did change is the way the hatch opens.  From the wonderfully practical split tailgate, the new CR-V makes do with a single large vertically opening tailgate.  The touch sensitive button makes for a European touch, but the large opening angle may irk those with tight garage spaces.  Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the CR-V is its front-end.  The two-tier grille certainly looks odd, especially with the 2.0 S, where the lower grille isn’t accented with chrome.  The lower grille has been extended too, lending an angler fish appearance.

Controversial the CR-V is from the outside, inside, it is quality by anyone’s standards.  It was as if Honda made it a conscious effort to remove any trace of the previous model’s plasticky execution.  Touch any part, as in any part, inside and you’ll be greeted with soft-touch plastics.  The sophistication and tactility of the different buttons and switches upstage the more expensive Accord.  In terms of design, Honda could have gone bonkers and introduce an instrument panel like their Civic; instead they’ve gone traditional, which is just as well since this will certainly age better and look more classic.  Despite the traditionally executed cabin, there are still some space age features worth mentioning.  Aside from the center console mounted shifter, the large LCD screen sandwiched between the tachometer and speedometer is a nice touch and so is the twin level glove box and the jet inspired parking brake.

People wanting tons of space will be impressed with the CR-V as well.  Though the pass-through center console bids adios, there’s still tons of space front or back.  The rear too, features a fully-flat floor making comfortable space for three.  In addition, there are 5 individual headrests too—making every CR-V passenger comfortable even in the long haul.  Feature-wise, the 2.0S is loaded with more or less the features you’ll really need.  Dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes and a MP3 capable CD system with auxiliary input are all standard.  Perhaps the only thing missing is a rear back-up sensor, which among others, comes as standard on the 2.4 S-X. 

Honda is calling the CR-V as the “un-SUV” meaning it excels where most SUVs falter.  This is one SUV that retains the most useful abilities of an SUV: high driving position, excellent visibility and highly flexible interior without the penalties of poor handling and abysmal fuel economy.  Though pricier than before, the all-new Honda CR-V should soon find itself once again as a Filipino favorite.  This writer should know—he wants one too.

Inside, the Honda CR-V feels more Accord than Civic. Even in the entry-level guise, it's a good place to see everyday.

Impeccable attention to detail with tactile switches and wonderfully finished materials dot the CR-V.