Honda's 2007 version of the CR-V is not going to win any awards for agressiveness or sporty looks.
Don't get me wrong, this car is beautifully designed and has graceful lines. It is just quite understated and, it seems, purposefully so.
The alloy wheels have seven broad spokes that radiate in straight lines to 225/65 tyres on the 17" rims but are not so flashy that they draw attention away from the rest of the exterior. This is after all a car for 'Honda people' not 'Homeboys'.
Despite coming equipped with all-wheel drive and a two-litre petrol engine, the car is quiet and purrs along even when you stab the accelerator hard.
Getting up to speed is no thrill. It seems to make its leisurely way from standstill to 100km/h. Honda's official time is 10.2sec (12.2 for the auto) but it felt more like 20 to me. There is a reason for this: the CR-V has plenty of low-end torque (190Nm at 4200rpm) and a quiet, vibration-free ride that lulls you into believing you are cruising when you're actually clocking 150km/h.
There is little in the way of extras in the cabin. No satellite-navigation or map display, a very basic trip computer and the controls for radio and air-conditioning (or is that climate control?) are simple and neat.
Perhaps one would expect more from a car that costs just short of R300 000 but after driving this number for a while I realised that I didn't really need, or care about, all those extra gadgets because this car made me feel so comfortable.
Its large leather seats are more like firm armchairs. Arm rests on the front seats, which can be folded, complete the luxurious feel. Storage space focuses on volume and practicallity. The storage bin between the front seats is large enough to store two complete McDonald's meals (just ask our editor). A roll-open cubby above the glove box on the front passenger side could safely store the better part of a six-pack - lying horizontally, of course (just ask me).
A space for eyewear is located above the rear-view mirror also has its own handy mirror that allows the driver to keep an eye on the rear passengers. Great if you have two, or more, little terrorists like mine.
Speaking of children - mine were fascinated by the CR-V's sunroof and I was tasked with allowing them to open and shut it "just one more tim" so we could "turn off the fan and enjoy the fresh air instead".
Boot space
A storage shelf splits the boot space into upper and lower divisions with the removable top shelf able to carry up to 10kg - great for dumping the shopping but and still having it within easy reach when you get home.
The boot space, 443 litres with the rear seats up, is adequate for adventures in the urban jungle. Folding the seats down will provide a maximum of 955 litres but packing in some serious camping equipment for the real jungle might require the addition of a roof rack or trailer.
Despite its size, the CR-V is easy to handle. At just over two metres wide - mirrors included - it is broader than most sedans I've driven but it was still easy to negotiate its bulk through narrow streets or into a parking space between other local drivers who for the most part seem to be complete failures at successfully aligning their vehicles between any set of white stripes in a car park.
A few words of caution though. Honda's local website says this vehicle is "designed to take you to the great outdoors in comfort". It's a nice thought, but this is really just a 4x4 wannabee.
Great traction
The all-wheel drive doesn't go to waste though. The vehicle's "Real Time 4WD" system engages the four-wheel drive whenever it senses it is needed, providing great stability in rain and through sharp corners.
This makes the CR-V great for a drive to a remote, but established, camping spot and has great traction over sandy stretches and gravel roads, but opt for a heavyweight 4x4 from another vehicle manufacturer if you're even considering doing some serious bundu-bashing
Prices
Honda CR-V RVi - R268 900
Honda CR-V RVi a/t - R278 900
Honda CR-V RVSi - R299 500
Honda CR-V RVSi a/t - R309 500