by Paul Bailey
From your daily Twitter update to the Internet of Things, life in 2015 is smart on every level. We click, we swipe and we stay connected, and as the new CR-V launched in Barcelona last month it proved to be every inch the car of the smart generation.
Under the Barcelona sun
The car is brimming with new technology but on the cool but sun-bleached roads of Barcelona, it all disappears into the background, just the way really clever engineering should. There’s lots to talk about, but in this moment, it’s just you and your CR-V…
The wealth of technology beneath the skin of the CR-V is staggering
Up close and personal
A quick peek under the bonnet however, and you get a pretty good idea what’s making this drive so special. The new 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine is among the most efficient on the market and still, quite literally, has ‘pulling power’ that you feel every time you accelerate.
Meanwhile, it’s filled with intelligent technology, most notably the optional i-ACC or Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. It can best be described as the world’s first interactive cruise control system, reacting to other vehicles on the road using a camera and radar sensors.
Fortunately our jaunt on the lightly-trafficked roads around Barcelona prove to be a bit of a holiday for the i-ACC, but it’s going to be a godsend on dreary Monday mornings on the M25.
The CR-V features everything from a DAB radio to Bluetooth connectivity
Stay smart
Hop inside and it’s not just about stylish interiors, here you will find Honda Connect* in all its glory. A seven-inch touchscreen provides intuitive controls for everything from the DAB radio to Satellite Navigation systems, Bluetooth connection and the dynamic rear-view parking camera.
It all sounds daunting but it’s simple to operate and makes driving even more of a pleasure. In fact, plug in your phone and your music library and social media can join you for the most connected ride of your life.
The Collision Mitigation Braking System senses if an accident is likely and takes action to prevent serious damage
Style and safety
To be honest, we could talk endlessly about the CR-V, but one thing you have to know about is its enhanced versions of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and City Brake Active System. They sense when an accident might happen and take action to limit the impact, while revised suspension settings and recalibrated electric power steering create an agile driving experience and greater driver control.
Hopefully you’ll never have to call on these incredibly sophisticated safety features but it’s reassuring to know the CR-V is looking out for its occupants while you enjoy its dynamism and versatility, be that on a sunny spring day in Spain or the howling wind and rain of a British summer!
Ultimately, the CR-V is connected, intelligent, efficient and perfectly in tune with our demanding lives.
* standard on all models above the entry level grade
