2013 Golf Chic (pdf version) - Ladies European Tour

AnotherRound WinningPerformanceby HondaBy Richard SimpsonHow do you improve a car that has wonover 140 awards worldwide since it firsttook to the roads in 1995? The answer isnever to put the brakes on innovation andconstantly look for new ways to improve thedriving experience. And that is exactly whatHonda has done in its 4th generation CR-Vmodel. Practicality, refinement and qualityremain at the core in this next chapter ofthe CR-V’s success story, while significantimprovements in efficiency mean lowerrunning costs and fewer CO2 emissionsthan ever before.With five million SUV sales to its name,Honda has real pedigree in its class butis always looking for ways to stay aheadof the field. For the first time the CR-Vis offered with a choice of both two andfour-wheel drive to cater for everyone’sneeds. The hip point of the rear passengerseats has been lowered by a carefullycalculated 38mm for optimum comfort andheadroom, and its one-action 60/40 easyfold down rear seats gives it a Tardis-likeinterior. On the top of the range EX modelsmart keyless entry and start system andpower tailgate are useful standard features.It now offers a whopping 1,669 litres ofboot capacity, with enough room for twomountain bikes and four sets of golf clubs.But it’s not all about the practicalities thatmakes this new generation such a crowdpleaser. The car, which is made in Britain,has a distinctive rugged new look withdeeply sculpted sides and a bolder nosethat gives it an added air of confidence.It also has LED daytime running lightsfitted and LED tail lights for extra sparkle.The length and height of the car hasbeen reduced slightly to make it moreaerodynamic, giving greater fuel efficiency(drag coefficiency is reduced by 6.5%), butalso to make it more manoeuvrable andagile, without compromisinginterior space.The interior of the CR-V oozes quality andhas been cleverly designed to give it afeeling of openness. The position of thewindscreen has been brought forward by60mm, for example, and the size of theengine compartment reduced. The majorcontrols are grouped into two logical areasto make for an intuitive driving environment,with a 5-inch Multi-Information Displaywhich controls the audio, telephone andHDD navigation systems. Also now fitted asstandard is Honda’s acclaimed ECON mode,which optimises throttle response andengine programming for fuel efficiency, andthe innovative Eco Assist system, whichadvises drivers on how their driving style isimpacting fuel economy.For the team behind the new design,function though was as important asform. So beneath that striking exterior liea host of new technologies that reduceengine friction and improve efficiency. TheCR-V’s 2.0 litre i-VTEC petrol engine andthe 2.2 litre i-DTEC version both benefitfrom intelligent optimization, which incombination with Idle Stop technology,has improved fuel efficiency and cut CO2emissions by 12%. The Real Time AWDsystem is lighter and offers faster responsetime than before and cuts internal frictionby 59%. The system can also detect whenthe new CR-V is climbing a hill and sendadditional torque to the rear wheels incooperation with the Hill Start Assistfeature; it maintains brake pressure brieflyafter the brake pedal is released, giving thedriver time to accelerate smoothly away.Conversely, a new Hill Descent Control isavailable on automatic models to help itdescend difficult terrain.The new CR-V range also sets anincredibly high bar for safety standards. Itshighly-evolved construction techniques,suspension and braking systems areboosted by a comprehensive range ofelectronic safety systems. An AdvancedDriver Assist System makes its appearanceon the CR-V for the first time employing aCollision Mitigation Braking System, LaneKeeping Assist System and an AdaptiveCruise Control to ensure you keep a safedistance from everything else on theroad. Each system scans the road ahead,applying the brakes or correcting steeringwhilst maintaining a safe distance betweenyou and the car ahead. It also has a VehicleStability Assist with Traction Control,Trailer Stability Assist, Anti-lock brakeswith Emergency Stop System, a WhiplashMitigation System and a next generationMotion-Adaptive Electric Power Steeringthat helps to reduce instability when thedriver is braking hard on road surfaces withdifferent friction coefficients (such as aroad that is only partially covered with dirtor snow).This 4th generation CR-V, with its deepsculpted body lines, has a bold new-lookthat can sit proudly alongside any othersin its class. It combines exceptionalperformance with the agility of a saloon,and its cleverly thought-out designs makefor a great driving experience, be that atrip down to the shops, a holiday in themountains or a drive down to your localgolf club.8485