By Diana Merrill Claussen
Contributing Editor
AskPatty.com 

I recently attended a special media unveiling of Honda’s newest generation 2012 CR-V.  The event was held in San Diego at the gorgeous Hyatt Aviara Resort.  Upon arriving at the well-manicured Aviara grounds we drove up a long winding entrance and became overwhelmed with the beauty of the lush and tropical flora throughout the property.  Plants such as Lavender Seagrass, Hibiscus, and palms covered every inch of the resorts lawns and made one feel like they had arrived in a dreamlike utopian secluded paradise.

After arriving at the hotel I was promptly checked in and shown to my room which was every bit as aesthetic and gorgeous as the rest of this (5-star/black diamond) resort.  My room even had a private balcony which overlooked its own secluded courtyard.  My downstairs neighbor, who was cattycornered from me, had his own private mini pool nestled in his courtyard.  Thankfully, my cottage was surrounded by native trees so that at some point I would not see the neighbors were they to go for a ‘private’ swim.

After settling into the ultra-plush accommodations, I threw open my balcony door (which I kept open for most of my stay), so as to enjoy the comfortable sea breeze, and the whisper of my courtyard trees.  After sprawling across the bed for a spell while looking at Honda’s event itinerary, I decided it was time to get more acquainted with my new (and unfortunately temporary) surroundings.

First stop was to the main pool area which actually consisted of numerous pools and secluded Jaccuzi’s sandwiched between majestic mountains and the Pacific Ocean.  The view was so mesmerizing that I had to remind and then pinch myself that I was still in the Continental U.S. and NOT on Fantasy Island – (although all of my senses told me I was).  After meandering from pool to pool, waving at cabana boys bearing refreshments and just taking it all in I found myself in a private pool area with a sign that said ‘adults only’.  This tranquil area faced the waterway and the mountains which were scattered with the homes of the more than likely rich or famous.

The Hyatt Aviara was every girl’s get-away fantasy come true, (and I truly did enjoy every second of my stay) because every need was catered to by both the hotel and Honda representatives.  The personalization shown during the event made all in attendance feel highly appreciated and pampered. Another interesting tid-bit to this trip was that it was my first automotive event that was attended predominantly by ladies, more specifically ‘blog moms’ - less testosterone at the event was a very welcome reprieve.

On our first evening, Honda introduced us to their brand new 2012 CR-Vs which were both staged on one of the hotels many romantic verandas.  Just inside were lengthy buffet stations each featuring different fare - one for sushi, another for pasta, salad, and Asian fusion.  Then there was the dessert table with adorable homemade mini donuts, chocolate everything, delectable pastries, and delights that would make a French baker jealous. YUM!

The next morning I awoke to darkness, quiet and a screaming need for cappuccino. Thankfully, full room service was provided by Honda, so I enjoyed calling in my order.  I was tired and the temperature had mildly dipped during the night.  But instead of cranking the heat I decided to wrap up in a micro fleece, venture out to my private courtyard, and cozy up in an adirondack.  I then lied back on the cushions, looked up into the dark sky and behold, the big dipper was looking down at me through the tall palm trees.

Breakfast could not come soon enough since I was on Pacific Time and the agenda showed we were to be joined by Executive Engineers from Japan.  Through a translator we were given a history of the first CR-V, which was introduced in 1997, and then brought up to date to the current fourth generation CR-V. 

Although manufacturing plants in Japan had lost hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to natural disasters this year, representatives informed that they were able to bring all production back to normal within six months.  With things returning closer to a normal speed, engineers were able to ensure the 2.4L, 185 hp CR-V would be ready to launch right on time.

For 2012 dynamic styling, refined interior, spacious cabin, new powertrain, enhanced safety, and new connectivity features are part of Honda’s goal in creating products which include more customer focused technologies and enhanced safety.

From 2007 – 2010 the CR-V was the bestselling vehicle in its class. My first question of the engineers concerned why the CR-V model is only offered with a four cylinder engine. The response was that internal studies of Honda customers showed that the smaller engine was ‘just right’ for them and a V6 is not currently called for.  I decided to take the reps word concerning their studies, although my ‘need for torque and speed’ points me toward believing anything bigger than a compact car should at least have the option of a V6.

Next up we were introduced to James Jenkins, the 2012 CRVs product planner, who shared a few of his inspirations when it came to this re-designed favorite.  We focused on, “Image of the Buyer” and the buyer’s most important aspects when it comes to choosing a new vehicle.  Those aspects are fuel economy, quality, a reasonably priced, low running cost, attractive styling, innovative, and versatile vehicle.”

Looking at the body of the CR-V, one can instantly tell it is more streamlined than its predecessors.  However, it is shocking to find that although it looks more compact its interior measurements are the same as the 2011.  

A few extra features added to this newer model provide additional convenience with easier one touch fold-down rear seats with an extended center console.  The cargo floor was also lower than in previous models to make it easier to load and unload whatever may be stored.  In an effort to learn about the CRVs convenience I found that it is not equipped with a button which would automatically close the lift gate.  For convenience sake, I would have liked to have seen an automatic gate, but with such a low base price of $23,000 the logic of cutting that corner becomes abundantly clear. The overall value built into the CR-V makes up for this in many other ways.

The engineer’s focused on increasing aerodynamics. Changes in the design of this new generation can be seen both outside and inside the vehicle. For starters, the front window is wider for increased visibility and the interior has been expanded, while the cargo area lies flat when all seats are down.  Inside, the CR-V also boasts more sculpted doors which are extended horizontally (which add leg room), an improved navigation system, and a larger console for utility cups, small bags, and storage.

Although there have been many significant upgrades in designs and functionality, I could not wait to put this new model to the test, especially on the hilly terrain inland from San Diego.  The CR-V did not have a push button start, but the vehicle did provide for a most enjoyable ride accented with lush California scenery.  The steering, braking, and handling were quite responsive, even when driven out of the ‘norm’.  However during our drive it was immediately and sadly noticed that the CR-Vs four cylinder could not easily provide enough engine power (without strain or hesitation) during steep uphill driving.  

Getting to attend such a great event at a beautiful location was exhilarating, but unfortunately, San Diego with its hilly terrain was not an ideal location for the CR-V and its little engine that almost could.  My personal desire would be for increased engine power to match the other massive improvements they have made with the rest of the vehicle.