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The CR-V e:HEV from Honda! Now in its sixth Gen, this SUV is available as a Hybrid.   
Right, let’s talk about the new Honda CR-V. You know, that best-selling SUV that’s been cruising UK roads for ages, now reimagined with a modern hybrid twist. Actually, two twists. The new CR-V is available as both a full hybrid (e:HEV) and—for the first time ever in the UK—a plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV). And trust us, it’s not just a badge change. This CR-V has had a proper glow-up.
 
Whether you’re after a spacious family hauler, a comfy cruiser for the commute, or just want to dip your toes into electrification without fully committing to an EV, the CR-V e:HEV could be your perfect middle ground. So, let’s dive into what makes this next-gen Honda stand out.
 

First Impressions – A Bit of Swagger, A Lot of Substance

 
You can tell straight away that Honda didn’t just tweak a few lines and call it a day. The CR-V’s got presence now. A sharper, more confident front end, a more sculpted body, and lights that could slice through the night. LED headlights and taillights not only look the part but also boost visibility – because what’s the point of style without a bit of substance?
 
The shape isn’t just for show, either. Aerodynamics play a big role here, with that sleek roofline and those subtle body creases doing their bit to help you squeeze every drop out of the tank—or battery. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
 

Inside the Cabin – Calm, Comfortable and Cleverly Put Together

 
Climb inside and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s clearly been built with everyday living in mind. It’s airy, quiet, and surprisingly plush. There’s an almost lounge-like vibe with the quality of the materials—think soft-touch panels, subtle stitching, and nice solid-feeling controls.
 
The front seats are heated and ventilated (on higher trims), and there’s dual-zone climate control to keep everyone happy. Add in a panoramic sunroof and the whole cabin gets a bit of a glow-up. Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either—there’s generous legroom and reclining seats. Yep, that’s right. No complaints from the back bench.
 
Honda’s also packed in loads of storage solutions—door bins, centre cubbies, clever tray spaces. It’s all just smartly laid out for real life. And then there's the boot—spacious, square, and extendable. Fold the back seats flat and you’re looking at serious cargo-hauling capability. Got kids, pets, or a spontaneous IKEA urge? No problem.
 

Infotainment & Tech – Easy to Use, Not Overdone

 
In the tech department, Honda’s taken a sensible, user-friendly approach. The CR-V gets a crisp digital driver display paired with a central infotainment screen that’s responsive and straightforward to use. No fiddly nonsense—just good clean UI and enough options to keep everyone happy.
 
There’s support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, of course. Navigation’s easy to follow, and the layout can be customised if you’re picky about your widgets. You also get a decent sound system, a wireless phone charger, and plenty of USB ports front and back.
 
Voice control is onboard and pretty responsive, and on higher trims, you can also enjoy a heads-up display (HUD) that puts speed, directions, and driver assists right on the windscreen. Very sci-fi.
 

Let’s Talk Hybrid Power – Smooth, Quiet and Surprisingly Punchy

 
Right under the skin, things get a bit more exciting. The CR-V e:HEV features Honda’s latest hybrid tech, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with twin electric motors. It automatically juggles between EV mode, hybrid mode, and engine drive depending on how you’re driving. You don’t have to do anything—it just sorts itself out.
 
What you get is a smooth, whisper-quiet cruise around town, with enough punch to get up to speed quickly on motorways. You can drive short distances purely on electric power, especially at low speeds, which is perfect for city hops or the school run.
 
For the plug-in hybrid version (e:PHEV), you get a bigger battery and around 50 miles of pure electric range—ideal for most daily commutes. Plug it in overnight, and you're ready to cruise emissions-free the next day.
 
Oh, and regenerative braking helps feed power back into the battery while you’re on the move—clever stuff.
 

Drive Modes – Tailored for Real Life

 
You’ve got multiple driving modes to play with, too. EV mode is great for zero-emission driving, Hybrid mode is your all-rounder, and there’s even a Sport mode if you’re feeling cheeky. Snow mode helps when the weather turns tricky, giving extra grip and control. It's like having multiple cars in one.
 
The steering’s light but responsive, and the suspension handles potholes like a pro. Whether you’re navigating tight urban streets or heading off for a weekend in the country, it’s comfy and confident. Exactly what a family SUV should be.
 

Safety – Honda's Got Your Back

 
You can’t talk about a family SUV without getting into safety. Thankfully, Honda’s gone all out here. Every CR-V comes with the latest Honda Sensing suite, which includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition—you name it.
 
Plus, you’ve got blind-spot info, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. You’ll feel like you’ve got a second pair of eyes on every corner.
 
Add to that 10 airbags, ISOFIX points for child seats, and a five-star NCAP rating, and you’ve got serious peace of mind wherever you’re headed.
 

Practicality – Built for Everyday Adventures

 
One of the CR-V’s biggest strengths has always been its real-world practicality, and the new one’s no different. The back seats fold flat with one touch, the boot lip is low for easy loading, and the wide-opening rear doors make getting kids and car seats in and out a breeze.
 
There’s a hands-free power tailgate (just wave your foot under the bumper), roof rails if you fancy loading up bikes or a roof box, and tons of room for all the family stuff. Whether you’re tackling the school run, a camping trip, or just the big food shop—it’s built for it.
 

Trim Levels – Something for Everyone

 
Honda’s kept things simple with the trim levels. You’ve got:
 
Elegance: Well-equipped with LED lights, a full suite of safety tech, infotainment, climate control, and smart keyless entry.
 
Advance: Adds heated leather seats, wireless charging, and more tech goodies.
 
Advance Tech (e:PHEV only): All the above, plus bigger wheels, a panoramic roof, HUD, and that full plug-in hybrid system with 50 miles of EV range.
 
No matter which you pick, you’re getting a solid package that feels way more premium than you’d expect at this price point.
 

So, Should You Buy One?

 
Look, if you’re in the market for a hybrid SUV that just does everything well—without the drama—the CR-V e:HEV is well worth a look. It’s comfortable, efficient, packed with features, and easy to live with. It’s got enough style to turn heads, but not so much it screams "look at me."
 
The plug-in version is ideal if your daily routine fits within that 50-mile electric range, and the hybrid will keep fuel costs down without needing to ever plug in. Either way, Honda’s clearly focused on making this car work for actual people doing actual things.
 
In short? It’s smart, sensible, and just a bit cool—like your mate who always remembers to bring snacks on a road trip.
 
 
@Honda @HondaVideo  #honda #crv #hondacrv #hondacrvhybrid #hondacrvehev #hondacrvephev
 
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Northern Group of Motoring Writers NGMW 

Members of The Northern Group Of Motoring Writers