CRV, Great vehicle. Should be a few lakhs cheaper.

I test drove a CRV (2wd, 2000cc,  manual) today. First the positives;

This is s perfect dimension for Indian traffic conditions. Driver seat is very comfortable and offers great visibility. Once you look around; the interior materials and fit/finish is excellent and typical of honda. Power driver seat was very convenient. Steering wheel is robust and felt good to hold. One felt ready to push the vehicle. 

Once on the road the gear shifts were smooth and efficient. Dealer mentioned drive by wire. I am not sure if it is so; but the shift lever is conveniently located on the dash and very smooth.

Vehicle was quick to respond to throttle and was comfortable in slow conditions. Visibility in traffic is good. This vehicle is not too big and not too small.

Once on a four lane divided road, I waited for the slow vehicles to pull ahead and launched the vehicle red lining on all of the gears. Much to the shock and amusement of my passengers, I performed a quick lane change. The vehicle felt very much in control. For a fraction of a second, I felt the body roll and quickly corrected to come back to center. Not bad at all for an SUV type vehicle.

Suspension was very smooth on regular city roads. Occasionally I dropped the vehicle into a pothole. Suspension absorbed the bump ammazingly well. If I am not wrong, the chassis is shared with the civic, which is a great vehicle.

Negatives: Too highly priced. at 20 Lakhs. In the US it costs only 20~25 thousand USD. Before I drove this I always thought this was  a Soccor Moms car. However I stand corrected.

I wish they would make the radio console  wrap around to  the cup holder console giving it a more aggressive, non-minivan type of feel. I prefer the shift lever in the conventional location and not on the Instrument panal.

Seond row seating feels unsubstantial. I wish they would spend more on it make it more comfortable. One felt tossed around in a typical bench seat. Leg room in the second row is great. I would have liked captain seats.

I wish they would get rid of the pout in the front bumper.

The CRV is a drivers' car, for the city with occasional dirt track ability. I think this vehicle is perfect for India. However ,I wish it was 5 Lakhs cheaper.

Good Ride, Excellent interiors, Perfect dimensions, responsiveCost, second row comfort, milleage