Potamkin's Aventura Honda

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Introduction

2010 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is among the best of the compact SUVs and it's hugely popular.

For 2010, Honda CR-V boasts significant changes. The 2010 Honda CR-V has been re-styled, with a look that's smoother and more confident. Inside are new fabrics, new controls, and more standard conveniences.

Some of the changes are less obvious: The 2010 CR-V four-cylinder engine is 8 percent more powerful and 4 percent more fuel-efficient than previously. The CR-V two-wheel-drive models rate 21/28 mpg in the federal government's EPA City/Highway cycles, with all-wheel-drive versions giving up just 1 mpg on the highway.

We've found the CR-V offers a smooth ride and responsive handling. The four-cylinder engine employs variable intake valve timing to optimize horsepower and torque for acceleration and cruising speeds, and it's paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The CR-V features one of the nicest cargo compartments in this class. The back seats fold perfectly flat and without the holes that can be hazardous to dogs. Built on a unit-body structure, the CR-V is considered a crossover. All have four doors and seat five.

Buyers choose from three models: the basic LX; mid-range EX; or leather-upholstered EX-L. Real Time 4WD is offered on all three models.

Model Lineup

All 2010 Honda CR-V models come with a 180-hp four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is available for all models ($1250).

The CR-V LX ($21,545) comes with fabric upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, powered outside mirrors that fold, power windows, power central locking, driver's-seat height adjustment, 60/40-split rear seat that reclines and folds, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo with auxiliary input jack, trip computer/information center, a collapsible tray between the front seats, intermittent rear window wiper/washer, and 17-inch steel wheels with P225/65R17 tires.

The EX ($23,845) adds a tilt-and-slide power moonroof; steering wheel-mounted audio controls for a six-speaker stereo with an in-dash, six-CD changer; variable intermittent wipers up front; dual-deck cargo shelf; a lights-and-horn security system; rear privacy glass; outside ambient temperature gauge; and compass

The EX-L ($26,495) features leather-trimmed seats, armrests, shifter, and steering wheel; heated front seats; heated side mirrors; XM satellite radio with a 90-day trial subscription; front center console with storage for 24 CDs (replacing the collapsible tray); dual-zone automatic climate control; eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat plus power lumbar support; and a 270-watt, seven-speaker (including subwoofer) premium audio system. New for 2010 are a USB audio interface for the stereo, and automatic (on/off) headlights. The EX-L can be equipped with voice-recognition GPS-based navigation, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth ($28,495); the CD changer moves into what was the CD storage space in the console.

Honda-approved accessories available from dealers include wheel locks; attachments/racks for bicycles, kayak, skis, and surfboard; a roof box; auto-dim inside mirror; amplified bass speaker system; and backup sensors.

Safety features that come standard include the required three-point seatbelts at all five seating positions; child safety seat anchors (LATCH); front airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags (to minimize upper body injuries in side impacts); roof-mounted, front and rear-seat side-curtain airbags (to minimize head injuries in side impacts and rollovers); and front-seat active head restraints (to minimize neck injuries in rear impacts). For crash avoidance there are antilock brakes (which let the driver steer during panic stops); electronic brake-force distribution (which optimizes braking power front-to-rear during emergency stops); brake assist (which senses impending emergency brake application and boosts pedal pressure); Vehicle Stability Assist (Honda's electronic stability control system that attempts to minimize skidding in turns); and tire pressure monitors (which warn of dangerous drops in tire pressure).

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