Honda CRV, Update: 80,000 kms and pathetic Honda service!

Jaggu · 14th January 2005, 14:21

First day with CRV.

Took delivery from WHITEFIELD HONDA on Wednesday. Dealership experience was really good, car spic n span ready at the promised time, just couple of signatures were required. Complementary mats, perfume as goodies. Leather seat covers, fog lights and hard shell cover for spare tyre were delayed in transit so have to wait for some time for them to arrive.

Styling: ****
Exteriors are contemporary, rate for yourself.

Interiors: ****
Again filled with gizmos, auto climate control, twin trip meter, fuel consumption display, external temperature read out, back lit (contrast adjustable) display.
Moment door opens the meters comes on with a dim shine, as well as the interior lights (with delay while locking), ignition key hole illumination et all.

Music system for manual model is a 3 in one kit from Kenwood with 6 speakers, sound quality *** recommended only for regular listening, only goodie that is there is the surround option (5 settings).
Aircon again has temp setting, auto as well as manual mode. Auto mode, once u set the temp, system takes over the circulation part. Manual you can control the various circulation modes as well as the blower speed. Window defogger switch is also integrated in air con control. Switches are soft touch, yummy… like the ones u find in a home audio gizmo.

Light controls are all integrated, including the fog light option (switches on an additional bright red bulb in the rear light cluster left side only). Only head light height adjuster is separate on the dash. Wiper same story, rear wipers are also integrated in the driver console.

Seats are comfy and come with full retractable mode to make a flat bed for one of those romantic outings

, support is good and comfy. Rear seat back rest also can be reclined to a degree. Also front seats are height adjustable and rears can be slid for more leg room.

Boot space is good, has a foldable table as base for those picnics and a wet storage area underneath for those beach outings, which incidentally is the spare tyre location for civic platform.

hooks on the floor to tie stuff.
WARNING: Honda recommends, avoid using the boot space for passengers (using bean bags as dealer quoted) coz it’s the CRUMPLE ZONE.

Day 1. Filled up Speed regular, due to the busy schedule at work couldn’t afford the extra 5 kms drive for IOC :P . Honda manual recommends 91 Ron, so Extra premium will be the preferred brew in Bangalore.

Honda has done a good job with sound proofing, cant make out if the motor is running at idle. Fly by wire throttle is very sensitive, the engine economy bar drops below 5 km mark the moment one feels the urge to vroooooooom… drivability of the engine is amazing, pulling out from low revs straight to mid range, didn’t find any good stretch to really do some good blasting.

Handling is very car like, bigger tyres help filter those broken tarmac (not potholes), just the surface. Climbing a speed breaker has become less painful but mind you car will bounce if you do it in a hurry. This is a typical SOFTROADER for the URBAN JUNGLE.

Day 2: Had to leave the ikon for pipe fitment, so took the CRV for the return trip, the road to the garage is pretty broken up and CRV was pretty comfy for sitting but I dint like the too active a feedback from the steering rack, maybe the already light steering wheel is not good for the really tough broken stretches at low speed.
On the way back lesser traffic so opened up a lil, pulls clean and engine of course is silky smooth. Touched 120 without any fuss before traffic played spoil sport, festival day today in Bangalore and didn’t want to play smart with merry people on roads.

Overall verdict:**** for Car and ** for SUV, but for my elder bro guess this is the best option available now in market I guess. One big family so far

So that’s it for part one, will update as the car grows on me maybe with some neat out door and mud filled pics he he he he….

Dippy · 14th January 2005, 14:28

Great first day impression Jaggu. Hope to have a proper full fledged review in a few days from now . Nice pics too. I esp like the interiors

Dippy

Rtech · 14th January 2005, 14:36

Great initial impression of a great urban vehicle. One question: Does the manual 'box come as a no cost option or is it cheaper than the auto?

shravan316 · 14th January 2005, 14:55

Good first impression Jaggu! Neat photographs!

Now waiting for more reviews about your car.

Deeps · 14th January 2005, 15:17

Hey congrats on the new car. A practical choice with the CRV. But take it easy on the machinery for a few 1000km. An informative review you wrote. But you didn't mention how many cup-holders there are...

I think that there should have been steering mounted controls for the audio etc. And how does one operate the hand-brake??

vinsanity · 14th January 2005, 15:45

Nice buy Jaggu.. Pics too are neat...
Hey by the way, what is this color(exact name)?!!

Jaggu · 14th January 2005, 17:57

Manual tranny is cheaper by a lakh.

Hand brake, push the button on top rt of the lever to de engage.

some 4 plus cup holders and umpteen cubby holes, pockets for kniks and knaks / to store stuff.

No steering remote option for this stereo model and funny part honda has given 6 diff models in the manual but none match the model that came with the car ???? Had 5 mts of brain whacking to get the clock option ON.

Color-golden beige, first perference was black but changed when the thought of the effort to be invested in maintaining that shade

lamborghini · 14th January 2005, 21:17

hey jaggu
congrats on the car man ...
i liked the car but its not an SUV
wont mind getting something like that for bombay pune but no mud.
its best on normal roads

speedsatya · 14th January 2005, 23:10

hey jaggu,
congrats .
how abt a pic of the FE indicator.

drive safe

islero · 15th January 2005, 21:53

congrats Jaggu, awaiting further good news.

Jaggu · 17th January 2005, 09:44

satya can u see a 0-5-10-15-20 bar running on top of the trip meter, that is the FE bar, click n see the bigger pic and u will get it easy.

Jaggu · 19th January 2005, 10:52

correction didn get the question correct first time vins, the color name by manufacturer is "OPAL BEIGE METTALIC"

X-Machine · 23rd January 2005, 13:17

Hey jaggu,
Congrats on ur latest buy.The car looks absolutely like a gem in that color.It gels well alongwith the interiors.And this lighter shade does make the car look a lil more spacious from the inside.

X

NRKUMAR · 30th July 2006, 05:00

Hey Jaggu,

Honda CRV is really good Urban Soft roader. It is pretty well designed & is a true global product available for Honda customer prospects in India.
It is generally available in automatic transmission around $20-25k range here in the US. Obviously thats not what Indians pay !
If you maintain it & not get bored with it, you can easily drive it for around 200,000 kms.
It is a good choice in light of the offerings around. Wish Toyota starts thinking in terms of its RAV4 & Suzuki on manufacturing its Grand Vitara locally and competitively pricing it (around 11 lakhs)

aZa · 30th July 2006, 10:52

jaggu : Nice writeup and a gr8 color choice, Go easy on her till the breakin period !!

14th January 2005, 14:21	#1
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,383 Thanked: 17,293 Times	Honda CRV, Update: 80,000 kms and pathetic Honda service! First day with CRV. Took delivery from WHITEFIELD HONDA on Wednesday. Dealership experience was really good, car spic n span ready at the promised time, just couple of signatures were required. Complementary mats, perfume as goodies. Leather seat covers, fog lights and hard shell cover for spare tyre were delayed in transit so have to wait for some time for them to arrive. Styling: ** Exteriors are contemporary, rate for yourself. Interiors: Again filled with gizmos, auto climate control, twin trip meter, fuel consumption display, external temperature read out, back lit (contrast adjustable) display. Moment door opens the meters comes on with a dim shine, as well as the interior lights (with delay while locking), ignition key hole illumination et all. Music system for manual model is a 3 in one kit from Kenwood with 6 speakers, sound quality * recommended only for regular listening, only goodie that is there is the surround option (5 settings). Aircon again has temp setting, auto as well as manual mode. Auto mode, once u set the temp, system takes over the circulation part. Manual you can control the various circulation modes as well as the blower speed. Window defogger switch is also integrated in air con control. Switches are soft touch, yummy… like the ones u find in a home audio gizmo. Light controls are all integrated, including the fog light option (switches on an additional bright red bulb in the rear light cluster left side only). Only head light height adjuster is separate on the dash. Wiper same story, rear wipers are also integrated in the driver console. Seats are comfy and come with full retractable mode to make a flat bed for one of those romantic outings , support is good and comfy. Rear seat back rest also can be reclined to a degree. Also front seats are height adjustable and rears can be slid for more leg room. Boot space is good, has a foldable table as base for those picnics and a wet storage area underneath for those beach outings, which incidentally is the spare tyre location for civic platform. hooks on the floor to tie stuff. WARNING: Honda recommends, avoid using the boot space for passengers (using bean bags as dealer quoted) coz it’s the CRUMPLE ZONE. Day 1. Filled up Speed regular, due to the busy schedule at work couldn’t afford the extra 5 kms drive for IOC :P . Honda manual recommends 91 Ron, so Extra premium will be the preferred brew in Bangalore. Honda has done a good job with sound proofing, cant make out if the motor is running at idle. Fly by wire throttle is very sensitive, the engine economy bar drops below 5 km mark the moment one feels the urge to vroooooooom… drivability of the engine is amazing, pulling out from low revs straight to mid range, didn’t find any good stretch to really do some good blasting. Handling is very car like, bigger tyres help filter those broken tarmac (not potholes), just the surface. Climbing a speed breaker has become less painful but mind you car will bounce if you do it in a hurry. This is a typical SOFTROADER for the URBAN JUNGLE. Day 2: Had to leave the ikon for pipe fitment, so took the CRV for the return trip, the road to the garage is pretty broken up and CRV was pretty comfy for sitting but I dint like the too active a feedback from the steering rack, maybe the already light steering wheel is not good for the really tough broken stretches at low speed. On the way back lesser traffic so opened up a lil, pulls clean and engine of course is silky smooth. Touched 120 without any fuss before traffic played spoil sport, festival day today in Bangalore and didn’t want to play smart with merry people on roads. Overall verdict:** for Car and for SUV, but for my elder bro guess this is the best option available now in market I guess. One big family so far So that’s it for part one, will update as the car grows on me maybe with some neat out door and mud filled pics he he he he…. Last edited by adya33 : 30th July 2006 at 07:29.
	(1) Thanks

14th January 2005, 14:28	#2
Dippy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 7,738 Thanked: 4,105 Times	Great first day impression Jaggu. Hope to have a proper full fledged review in a few days from now . Nice pics too. I esp like the interiors Dippy Last edited by Dippy : 14th January 2005 at 14:30.
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 14:36	#3
Rtech Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 5,765 Thanked: 370 Times View My Garage	Great initial impression of a great urban vehicle. One question: Does the manual 'box come as a no cost option or is it cheaper than the auto?
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 14:55	#4
shravan316 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,029 Thanked: 10 Times	Good first impression Jaggu! Neat photographs! Now waiting for more reviews about your car.
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 15:17	#5
Deeps Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Delhi/Noida Posts: 1,119 Thanked: 170 Times	Hey congrats on the new car. A practical choice with the CRV. But take it easy on the machinery for a few 1000km. An informative review you wrote. But you didn't mention how many cup-holders there are... I think that there should have been steering mounted controls for the audio etc. And how does one operate the hand-brake??
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 15:45	#6
vinsanity BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Patna Posts: 609 Thanked: 3 Times	Nice buy Jaggu.. Pics too are neat... Hey by the way, what is this color(exact name)?!!
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 17:57	#7
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,383 Thanked: 17,293 Times	Manual tranny is cheaper by a lakh. Hand brake, push the button on top rt of the lever to de engage. some 4 plus cup holders and umpteen cubby holes, pockets for kniks and knaks / to store stuff. No steering remote option for this stereo model and funny part honda has given 6 diff models in the manual but none match the model that came with the car ???? Had 5 mts of brain whacking to get the clock option ON. Color-golden beige, first perference was black but changed when the thought of the effort to be invested in maintaining that shade Last edited by Jaggu : 14th January 2005 at 18:15.
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 21:17	#8
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,164 Thanked: 5,933 Times View My Garage	hey jaggu congrats on the car man ... i liked the car but its not an SUV wont mind getting something like that for bombay pune but no mud. its best on normal roads
	() Thanks

14th January 2005, 23:10	#9
speedsatya Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: bangalore/manga Posts: 3,167 Thanked: 741 Times View My Garage	hey jaggu, congrats . how abt a pic of the FE indicator. drive safe
	() Thanks

15th January 2005, 21:53	#10
islero Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,574 Thanked: 13 Times View My Garage	congrats Jaggu, awaiting further good news.
	() Thanks

17th January 2005, 09:44	#11
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,383 Thanked: 17,293 Times	satya can u see a 0-5-10-15-20 bar running on top of the trip meter, that is the FE bar, click n see the bigger pic and u will get it easy.
	() Thanks

19th January 2005, 10:52	#12
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,383 Thanked: 17,293 Times	correction didn get the question correct first time vins, the color name by manufacturer is "OPAL BEIGE METTALIC"
	() Thanks

23rd January 2005, 13:17	#13
X-Machine Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Mumbai/Tokyo Posts: 1,475 Thanked: 29 Times	Hey jaggu, Congrats on ur latest buy.The car looks absolutely like a gem in that color.It gels well alongwith the interiors.And this lighter shade does make the car look a lil more spacious from the inside. X
	() Thanks

30th July 2006, 05:00	#14
NRKUMAR BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta Posts: 77 Thanked: 0 Times	Hey Jaggu, Honda CRV is really good Urban Soft roader. It is pretty well designed & is a true global product available for Honda customer prospects in India. It is generally available in automatic transmission around $20-25k range here in the US. Obviously thats not what Indians pay ! If you maintain it & not get bored with it, you can easily drive it for around 200,000 kms. It is a good choice in light of the offerings around. Wish Toyota starts thinking in terms of its RAV4 & Suzuki on manufacturing its Grand Vitara locally and competitively pricing it (around 11 lakhs)
	() Thanks

30th July 2006, 10:52	#15
aZa Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Noida / Delhi Posts: 1,595 Thanked: 25 Times View My Garage	jaggu : Nice writeup and a gr8 color choice, Go easy on her till the breakin period !!
	() Thanks