Mention the Honda Civic in any conversation, and you’ll probably see a nostalgic smile or two. It’s a name as familiar to Singaporeans as char kway teow or chicken rice, reliably serving generations as the default choice for those seeking an affordable, sensible, and dependable car.

But with electrification steadily reshaping the automotive landscape, even steadfast heroes like the Civic must adapt.

That’s where this Honda Civic e:HEV comes in, a smarter, sharper Civic, and Honda’s take on modern motoring wrapped in a reassuringly familiar package.

Sensible elegance

Styling-wise, the new Honda Civic e:HEV is perhaps the most grown-up iteration of Honda’s beloved family saloon yet. Gone are the flamboyant, overly aggressive lines of the previous generation, yet there’s enough subtle sportiness in its stance and silhouette to remind you of its heritage.

The LED headlights are sharp, purposeful, and modern, while the clean side profile and gently sloping roofline give it a genuinely upmarket feel.

Cabin serenity

Step inside, and you’ll instantly notice the substantial upgrade in cabin ambience. The dashboard exudes an uncluttered, minimalist charm that wouldn’t feel out of place in a car twice the price.

Pride of place on the dashboard is a clear and crisp 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, flanked by clean horizontal lines and soft-touch materials. While some manufacturers have gone touchscreen crazy, Honda has thankfully kept essential functions like climate controls as physical dials.

This is practical simplicity at its finest: intuitive, user-friendly, and refreshingly free of needless digital gimmickry.

As a family-friendly sedan, the Civic e:HEV naturally excels at the basics: space, comfort, and practicality. Rear-seat passengers benefit from ample legroom and headroom.

Boot space stands at a useful 410 litres, slightly reduced by the hybrid’s battery packs, but still spacious enough for weekly grocery runs or even the occasional furniture adventure.

Honda hasn’t forgotten about active safety either, with Honda Sensing as standard. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking, all of which make navigating Singapore’s crowded streets significantly less stressful.

Clever hybrid tech beneath familiar skin

The real story of the Honda Civic e:HEV lies beneath the bonnet, where Honda’s clever hybrid drivetrain works quietly to deliver an impressive mix of performance and efficiency. The system pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, collectively producing 181bhp and 315Nm of torque.

Don’t mistake this for one of those mild hybrids that merely play a token role, Honda’s e:HEV system is genuinely sophisticated. At lower speeds around town, it runs predominantly on electric power. Pick up speed, and the petrol engine smoothly kicks in, working alongside the electric motors without the slightest fuss.

Honda claims the Civic e:HEV can return 21.7km/litre, and during my own city-centric test drives, I managed a commendable real-world figure hovering around 20km/litre. Remarkable for something that also feels punchy and eager on the expressways.

Surprisingly dynamic, genuinely composed

The Civic does not disappoint in the handling department either. With instantaneous torque from the electric motors, it responds enthusiastically to the slightest prod of the accelerator pedal. The century sprint is done and dusted in 7.8 seconds.

The cabin remains impressively hushed, with minimal road and wind noise intruding even at speed. Suspension is tuned just right, absorbing bumps and potholes without wallowing excessively.

Through corners, the Civic remains composed and predictable. Steering is accurate if somewhat lightly weighted, offering just enough feedback to entertain enthusiastic drivers. While it doesn’t have the visceral engagement of a sports car, there’s a satisfying fluidity to its handling, a clear reminder of Honda’s decades-long mastery of front-wheel-drive dynamics.

Sensible gets stylish and smarter

The Civic e:HEV is Honda’s carefully considered step into electrification without losing sight of what has made the Civic an enduring favourite. It’s a genuinely grown-up car; stylish, refined, practical, and now impressively efficient too.

Admittedly, some may lament the Civic’s newfound maturity, recalling the more flamboyant and energetic models of the past. But in an era when sensibility and sustainability increasingly trump raw horsepower, Honda has cleverly evolved the Civic without losing its fundamental appeal.

Technical Specifications

Honda Civic e:HEV

Engine: 2-litre in-line 4 i-VTEC, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Gearbox: E-CVT (A)
Power: 141 bhp (engine)
Power: 181 bhp (electric motor)
Torque: 315 Nm
Fuel Economy: 21.7 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$227,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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If you do not drive one, your neighbour probably does. Or you probably sat in one the last time you booked a Grab ride.

The Freed’s appeal has always been remarkably straightforward. It is compact, efficient, ridiculously practical, and does not try to be anything it is not. In many ways, that is exactly why it works so well.

So, when Honda launched this new generation Freed Hybrid, there was no need for drastic reinvention. Instead, the focus was on refinement, efficiency, and a little extra charm, all while staying true to the formula that has made the Freed a favourite.  

Fulfilling A Boxy Purpose  

No one buys an MPV for its styling, and Honda knows it. That is why, instead of trying to hide its shape, the new Honda Freed Hybrid fully embraces its boxiness.  

In profile, it looks like a well-rounded Tupperware on wheels, with proportions that scream practicality first, everything else second. But that doesn’t mean the designers didn’t try.

The headlights flank a blacked-out glossy strip across the front, and the taillights have a stacked cube pattern embedded within. Small quirks, but it gives the car some charm.

The cabin is the same story. Honda’s designers have done a fantastic job balancing cost-conscious practicality with usability. The dashboard layout is clean, symmetrical, and pleasantly minimalistic. Most importantly, Honda has resisted the temptation to digitise everything.

The driver’s display is a huge step up from before, with a vibrant, easy-to-read digital display taken from the Honda Jazz Crosstar that proves you do not need massive screens to feel modern.  

Physical buttons are still present and accounted for, including proper dials for temperature and fan speed. The controls are precisely laid out, with excellent tactile feedback, making them effortless to use while driving.  

The Freed’s Greatest Strengths  

If there is one thing the Freed has always done better than most, it is maximising space. This new model continues to lead its segment in passenger comfort and versatility.  

The powered sliding doors make ingress and egress effortless, especially for elderly passengers or young children. The second-row seats retain their 60:40 split, meaning the middle passenger gets a properly moulded seat, rather than a half-hearted excuse of a cushion.  

The third row remains easy to access, thanks to the tumble-forward seats.

While legroom and shoulder room are adequate, headroom is where the Freed excels. Even taller passengers will find plenty of space above, making it one of the most comfortable small MPVs on the market.

Storage is another strong suit. There are spaces in every nook and cranny of this car, and there are USB-C charging ports integrated into the front seats, so second-row passengers never have to fight for a charging cable.  

Surprisingly Engaging Too

If there was one major weakness in the previous-generation Freed, it was the drivetrain. It was functional, but in a segment full of hybrids and turbocharged alternatives, outdated.  

Power now comes from a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, paired with two electric motors, producing 130bhp and 253Nm of instant torque from a standstill. The instant torque from the electric motors gives the Freed a sense of urgency that its predecessor simply did not have.  

Accelerating from a standstill feels effortless even with a full posse of passengers, and when cruising at expressway speeds, the hybrid system works seamlessly in the background, providing electric assistance whenever needed.

Honda’s e-CVT transmission has been significantly improved. Even under hard acceleration, it never feels too loud or strained, making long drives far more comfortable.  

The suspension setup is soft enough to absorb bumps effortlessly, but firm enough to maintain composure even with a full load. The steering is light but not overly vague, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

While it is not designed for spirited driving, it handles corners with confidence, resisting body roll better than expected for an MPV of this size.  

Braking is another strong point. The brake pedal is weighted nicely, providing smooth and predictable stopping power.

For those new to MPVs, the Freed is incredibly easy to drive. And with Honda Sensing driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, highway driving is effortless and stress-free.  

Honda claims 19.6km/litre for efficiency, and in real-world conditions, the Freed exceeded that. That translates to a range of over 800km on a full tank.

The MPV That Just Works

The Honda Freed has always been one of the most practical, sensible, and universally appealing MPVs on the market. This new model takes everything that made it great, refines the details, and adds modern efficiency into the mix.  

It is charming without being flashy, spacious without being bulky, and efficient without sacrificing usability.

It may not be the flashiest car on the road, but for the vast majority of buyers, that is precisely why it works so well.  

Technical Specifications

Honda Freed Hybrid

Engine: 1,498cc in-line 4 i-VTEC, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Power: 130bhp (combined)
Torque: 253Nm
Gearbox: E-CVT (A)
0-100km/h: Unknown
Fuel Economy: 19.6km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$158,999 (HS7) / S$164,999 (HE7) with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Kah Motor

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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It has been around for decades, quietly excelling at its job. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a tailored suit. It fits just right, carries itself with confidence, and always delivers exactly what you need.  

The 11th-generation Accord follows this same philosophy, but with a sharper focus on technology, efficiency, and refinement. Honda has ditched the old turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, opting instead for a hybrid-only lineup, promising better fuel economy, a smoother drive, and a more sophisticated driving experience.

Does this mean it has lost its edge? Or is this the most complete Accord yet?  

It’s Thoughtfully Executed  

The Accord has never been a flashy car, but the latest model is surprisingly upmarket.

Honda has taken a less-is-more approach, resulting in a sleek, well-proportioned sedan that feels more premium than previous generations.  

The longer and wider body gives it a commanding presence, though the extended overhangs might not be to everyone’s taste.

Inside, the cabin takes a similar approach; minimalist, dark, and subtly elegant. The triangular mesh grille across the dashboard and soft-touch materials where your hands naturally rest add to the sense of quality.

Aesthetics aside, the real star here is ergonomics. Honda has mastered the art of making everything feel intuitive. Every button, switch, and control is exactly where you expect it to be. 

No need to dig through menus, physical dials still reign supreme here, with satisfying, weighty clicks that exude quality.

In an era where some manufacturers are obsessed with replacing buttons with touchscreen controls, Honda’s decision to keep physical controls is a welcome move.  

Rear passengers get luxurious amounts of legroom, to the point where it almost feels like a car meant for chauffeurs. The width of the cabin ensures three adults can sit comfortably in the back, and the 570-litre boot is cavernous enough to swallow anything you throw at it.

But, there is no electronic boot lid. Given the Accord’s price point, that feels like a surprising omission.

The Tech Isn’t Excessive Either 

Despite its focus on practicality, the new Accord does not skimp on digitalisation.  

The 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver’s display provide crisp, clear graphics, while the 11.6-inch head-up display ensures you never have to take your eyes off the road.  

Unlike some competitors that stretch a single screen across the entire dashboard, Honda’s layout prioritises usability over spectacle. It is clean, functional, and not trying too hard to impress.

Arguably the only oddity is the central knob that encircles a customisable screen. It is intriguing at first, but its limited functionality makes it feel more like a design flourish. 

And It Drives Great 

Honda has equipped the new Accord with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, paired with two electric motors, delivering 181bhp and 335Nm of torque.  

From a standstill, the electric motors provide immediate torque, making the Accord feel silky smooth and deceptively quick. The E-CVT transmission is surprisingly refined, never droning or feeling disconnected from the powertrain.

The driving position is spot-on. You sit low, with the thin, precise steering wheel perfectly placed.  The steering has just the right amount of weight and feedback, ensuring the Accord feels connected to the road. But unlike some sportier sedans, it never feels overly firm or exhausting on long drives.

The suspension is superbly tuned, soaking up rough roads without sacrificing composure. It is soft enough to be comfortable, yet firm enough to maintain stability through corners.  

This is a big car that somehow feels smaller and more agile than its size suggests. And that, for keen drivers, is one of its greatest strengths.

Honda quotes a fuel efficiency figure of 20km/litre, and my test drive garnered an average of 15.7km/litre, with lots of spirited driving mixed in. Impressive.

The Gold Standard, Yet Again  

The Honda Accord has been the benchmark for mid-size sedans for decades, and the 11th-generation model only strengthens that reputation.  

It offers a refined, well-executed hybrid drivetrain, an impressive balance of power and efficiency, and a spacious, luxurious cabin that punches above its price point.  

The only thing I don’t love is its higher price bracket, which puts it dangerously close to European rivals.

Will you pick this over something with a B, M, or A badge? You probably know the answer yourself.

Technical Specifications

Honda Accord Hybrid

Engine: 1,998cc in-line 4 i-VTEC, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Power: 181bhp (combined)
Torque: 335Nm
Gearbox: E-CVT (A)
0-100km/h: unknown
Fuel Economy: 20km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$277,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Kah Motor

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Nissan’s President and CEO, Makoto Uchida, recently met with Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, to formally call off negotiations, following Honda’s proposal to make Nissan its subsidiary, which has been navigating financial turbulence, the idea of a merger made sense.

However, when it became clear that Honda envisioned a takeover rather than a partnership, Nissan decided to walk away.  

A Merger That Promised To Reshape The Automotive Industry  

Back in December 2024, Nissan and Honda signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore a merger that could have created the world’s third-largest automotive group, with a combined annual production of 7.4 million units.  

The plan was ambitious and aggressive. The two companies had set a timeline to finalise negotiations by June 2025, with a holding company to be formed by August 2026. If the deal had gone through, both Nissan and Honda would have been delisted from the stock exchange, operating as a unified entity.  

But while the idea of a Japanese automotive powerhouse seemed exciting, cracks in the discussions quickly emerged.  

The First Signs Of Trouble  

By late January, reports suggested that Honda was pushing Nissan to buy back its stake from Renault, an uphill task given the company’s financial constraints. Then came the delay, with both companies pushing back their merger announcement from the end of January to mid-February.

And then came the final blow. Honda proposed making Nissan its subsidiary, a move that they viewed as completely against the spirit of their original discussions.

With this, Nissan is expected to withdraw from discussions at an upcoming board meeting, just ahead of its third-quarter earnings announcement next week.  

Honda Stands Firm, Nissan Stands Down  

Honda, on the other hand, is not willing to budge. According to reports from NHK via Reuters, Honda is uninterested in proceeding with the merger if Nissan refuses to become a subsidiary.

That leaves Nissan in a precarious position.  

2-14 months of financial runway left, according to previous reports, the company must now find a new investor or strategic partner to stabilise its future. Speculation remains about whether Mitsubishi, another struggling Japanese automaker, will step in to fill the gap.  

For now, however, one thing is clear: the e-POWER firm would rather fight for survival on its own terms than be absorbed into Honda’s corporate structure.

What Happens Next?  

The collapse of this merger raises big questions for both companies. For Honda, does rejecting a partnership of equals means it sees a stronger future alone? And for Nissan, can it recover without the financial backing it was seeking?

For now, Nissan is choosing to walk its own path.  

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The new Accord wears its “Creative Black Tie” design philosophy proudly, offering sleek aerodynamic lines and bold styling that speaks volumes without shouting.

From the outside, the bold front-end styling complements its premium materials and minimalist details, resulting in a refined yet modern silhouette.

Inside, it’s a sanctuary of sophistication. The cabin balances advanced technology with minimalist luxury, weaving together contrasting textures to create an interior that feels both indulgent and functional.

Honda has packed this model with features that make every journey extraordinary. From full LED lighting and an elegant panoramic sunroof to a 12.3-inch Display Audio system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it is as functional as it is luxurious.

Add in a 12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System and a spacious 570-litre boot, and you have a car that’s ready for both everyday errands and grand adventures.

Available in five colours, including Platinum White Pearl and Canyon River Blue Metallic, the Accord ensures you’ll find a hue that matches your personality.

Powering this flagship model is the innovative e:HEV system, a self-charging hybrid powerhouse featuring a 2.0L Atkinson Cycle In-Line 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine. With a combined output of 184PS and 335Nm of torque, the Accord achieves up to 20km/litre.

Drivers can experience seamless transitions between its three drive modes (EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive)

For those craving versatility, the four-mode drive system (Normal, Sport, ECON, and Individual) allows you to tailor the driving experience to your mood.

Honda Sensing, the brand’s advanced safety suite, comes as standard.

Features like Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Lane Keeping Assist System elevate the driving experience, allowing you to enjoy the journey while the Accord takes care of the rest.

With a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a 10-year e:HEV battery warranty, Kah Motor ensures that peace of mind accompanies every drive.

Check out the new Honda Accord e:HEV RS at Kah Motor’s showroom today.

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The partnership revolves around the concept of “Effortless Living,” blending Honda’s automotive innovation with Muji’s minimalist lifestyle philosophy.

At Booth 4208, visitors can explore the lifestyle display highlighting the practical features of the all-new Honda Freed. This showcase integrates Muji’s hallmark simplicity and functionality with the Freed’s versatile utility space.

The Freed’s interior is transformed into a haven of organisation and calm, with Muji’s foldable benches, tables, and versatile storage solutions like polypropylene boxes and wire baskets.

Adding to the aesthetic are Muji’s textiles, including cosy blankets and cushions, evoking the feel of a serene road trip or the comforts of home. For the adventurers, Muji bicycles, suitcases, and travel accessories suggest endless opportunities for exploration with the Freed.

Coinciding with Muji Week from 9 to 19 January 2025, shoppers can enjoy 10% discounts and a $5 shopping coupon when they accumulate over 100 miles in a single transaction via the Muji Passport app. 

Visit Booth 4208 at the Singapore Motorshow 2025 to witness this harmonious blend of mobility and design firsthand.

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Offered in two variants (1.5L Turbo and 2.0L e:HEV hybrid) this facelifted icon embodies a blend of performance and efficiency.

The Honda Civic exudes a sporty elegance that suggests it’s as much at home zipping through urban streets as it is cruising on highways.

It also packs a punch with its 1.5L direct-injected DOHC VTEC engine, delivering 127hp and 180Nm of torque. It achieves a commendable 6.4L/100km fuel economy.

For those seeking an eco-friendly edge, the e:HEV variant stands out with a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors. Together, they produce 141hp and an impressive 315Nm of torque while sipping just 4.6L/100km of fuel.

The e:HEV powertrain effortlessly switches between EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive to suit different driving conditions.

Inside, the story continues with a cabin that’s both functional and refined, offering premium materials and intuitive controls. From the panoramic sunroof to the 9-inch Display Audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, every detail is crafted to enhance the driving experience.

Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either, with ample boot space and a suite of convenience features like Walk Away Auto Lock and smart keyless entry.

Safety remains a top priority, with the Honda Sensing Suite coming as standard across all variants.

Features like Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Lane Keeping Assist ensure peace of mind on every journey.

Starting at $172,099 for the Turbo and $218,099 for the e:HEV, the new Honda Civic is competitively priced, especially when considering the host of advanced features it offers. 

A legacy built on performance, innovation, and reliability.

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Available in two variants, the HE7 and HS7, this compact MPV blends functionality with a modern, human-centric design philosophy that Honda has long championed.

With its sleek new look and redefined features, the Freed e:HEV carries a bold yet approachable concept of being the “Smile Just Right Mover.” 

Nicholas Wong, CEO of Kah Motor, aptly summed up the essence of this latest launch: “The Freed e:HEV is designed to enhance your everyday life, providing a driving experience that resonates with both practicality and joy.”

Despite its compact size, the Freed comfortably seats seven in a 2-3-2 configuration. Step inside, and you’re greeted with a bright and airy cabin thanks to clever design tweaks like a noiseless dashboard and a single front pillar for improved forward visibility.

The interior also boasts thoughtful touches like Honda Smart Entry with push-start functionality, an 11-inch Display Audio system that supports both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, and even enlarged built-in sunshades.

The Freed’s e:HEV two-motor hybrid system pairs a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine with a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission.

This configuration allows seamless transitions across three drive modes: EV Drive for pure electric propulsion, Hybrid Drive for urban flexibility, and Engine Drive for confident highway cruising. 

With a fuel economy of 5.1L/100km and CO2 emissions at just 115g/km, the Freed delivers fuel savings without compromising on Honda’s signature fun-to-drive ethos.

The Freed is equipped with Honda Sensing, an advanced suite of safety features that includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Starting at $161,099 for the HS7 variant and $166,099 for the HE7 after early bird discounts, the Freed represents excellent value in Singapore’s competitive automotive market. 

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Kah Motor has just rolled out the updated Honda City here in Singapore. It’s still the sedan we know and love, but with a few tweaks that make it more appealing.

The Honda City continues to be available in two variants: ‘SV’ and ‘RS’. Both come with a redesigned front grille and a new front bumper. The ‘RS’ variant ups the ante with a honeycomb grille, front fog lamps, LED taillights, side sill body garnish, and a boot spoiler at the rear.

Both variants are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 119bhp and 145Nm of torque.

Paired with a continuously variable transmission, the Honda City can sprint to 100km/h in 10.4 seconds. It offers a commendable fuel economy of 17.5km/litre. 

Step inside, and you’ll find new trim options that add a fresh touch to the already neat layout. Honda’s ‘Man-maximum, Machine-minimum’ design philosophy is evident throughout the cabin. The 7.0-inch infotainment display comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the boot space is a generous 519 litres.

The new Honda City now includes Honda’s Sensing suite of safety features. This means you get Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and a Lead Car Departure Notification System.

Kah Motor is offering the Honda City with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Prices start from $154,399 after the latest round of COE results from 20 June 2024.

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We now have the sixth generation of Honda’s revered SUV on our shores, the CR-V. Making its debut way back in 1995, you can thank it for indirectly popularising the SUV body style. 

Short form for ‘Comfortable Runabout Vehicle’ (the Japanese have fun names), it’s a staple in Honda’s bread-and-butter lineup of popular cars.

But, can the new boy hold up to its predecessors’ famed values?

Sharp Dressed Man

The Honda CR-V is now gunning for upmarket appeal, in line with Honda’s push for a more minimalist brand design language. That’s why current-gen Hondas look like they have sleek waxed hair, compared to the ruffian posteriors of their predecessors. 

The new design direction works well on this car: it’s imposing but not obnoxious, and the commanding height gives you reassurance over other motorists. 

From the side, it still has the discernible stature of a boxy SUV, but thankfully there aren’t any sharp creases to break up the otherwise macintosh-ish facade.

A familiar pair of taillights bring up the rear and breaks up the otherwise spotless rear facade. 

Overall, this new design language does well in keeping the CR-V understated, yet recognisable to the discerning eye.

Paint it, Black

Singapore-bound CR-Vs only have one trim option, but it’s one with most of the top-end bells and whistles.

Like the outside, the cabin also takes after a minimalistic nature. It feels rather serene while on the move, thanks in part to the new design, and better noise insulation from outside elements. 

Instead of following other manufacturers in the race to fit humongous television-sized screens, the CR-V comes with a respectable 9.0-inch touchscreen alongside an array of handy quick-menu buttons.

There’s smartphone integration as standard, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto working an absolute treat. Another nice touch is the fan integrated with the wireless charging pad, to stop your phone from cooking itself while juicing up.

You even get a little camera that shows the nearside blindspot view when you’re overtaking, a very useful feature. While it only covers one blind spot, it works better in practice than Hyundai or Kia’s version.

This demo unit is the 7-seater variant, and it has ample space onboard. Third-row occupants also get HVAC vents, but leg room is best saved for humans who haven’t gone through puberty.

The rear doors also open nearly 90 degrees, making ingress or child-seat mounting a cinch.

Cargo space is aplenty with the 3rd-row seats down (589 litres). The 2nd-row seats also fold down 60:40 for added versatility. Plus, it even comes with a full spare tyre, a rare blessing in today’s ‘tyre kit’ era.

The other thing that I appreciate is the effort Honda has put into visibility ergonomics. The A-pillars and B-pillars are thinner and unobtrusive, and the large wing mirrors are positioned closer to the front fenders to minimise the blindspot area that plagues cars in this segment.

No matter a user’s driving skill, the CR-V is an easy affair on the roads.

Sweet Emotion

Despite its bigger proportions, the Honda CR-V still chugs along with the same 1.5-litre 4-pot engine you’ll find in other familiar Honda vehicles.

190bhp and 243Nm of torque do not sound like much, but it’s enough grunt to keep the car energised when you put your foot on the go pedal. 

You do feel the car being occasionally sluggish in picking up speed, especially with a full posse of humans in tow, but it’s still speedy enough to perform the ol’ overtake should you need to. 

The CR-V is also reasonably fun to drive. Of course, I don’t mean hot hatch levels of responsiveness, but rather it will enthusiastically enter a corner with manageable body roll. Maintain enough speed and it’ll lumber through with ease. Just make sure to throw the car’s weight in correctly, if not you’ll induce bouts of understeer.

Rather more lively than you’d expect from a car that gets to the century mark in a sedate 10.2 seconds.

And if in the unfortunate scenario you get into an accident, the CR-V has a comprehensive 8 airbags system inside the cabin.

That car rode impressively smoothly, smothering out the worst of Singapore’s roads quite well. 

Keep it in Eco mode and you save fuel as you trundle along too; my average was 10.8km/litre, a decent figure with heaps of enthusiastic pedal pressing thrown in. Maintain a frugal foot, and the 57-litre fuel tank is more than sufficient for your weekly activities.

Competition Smile

If you are someone who is looking for a 7-seater family car, your options are split into two general paths. You could go the compact MPV route and get a Toyota Sienta or Honda Freed.

Or, if you still insist on an SUV, you’ll have a pool consisting of the Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Palisade, Mercedes-Benz GLB, or the Honda CR-V.

The CR-V does have its work cut out in finding its place in the market, but in essence, it is a well-sorted bit of kit.

The latest version doesn’t mess with the car’s winning formula, plus it adds a dash of practicality with an extra row of seats. The car is reasonably fun to drive too, so everyone in the family will find something to like about it. 

If you’re in the market for a new family-oriented SUV, the CR-V should definitely be on your radar.

Technical Specifications

Honda CR-V VTEC

Engine: 1,498cc in-line 4 i-VTEC, Turbocharged
Power: 190bhp (combined)
Torque: 243Nm
Gearbox: CVT (A)
0-100km/h: 10.2 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Economy: 13.3km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$251,999 (5-seater) / S$261,999 (7-seater) with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Kah Motor

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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