test drives

By Tim Saunders

“Make sure that the motor is actually running when demisting the windscreen,” advises Adrian as he drops off the Suzuki e Vitara, adding that they’ve got very small batteries and can go flat if such a task is performed when the motor is switched off. On a full charge the e Vitara has a range of around 225 miles but this, as with all electric vehicles, is dependent on driving style, i.e. the slower you go, the further you’ll get. It’s an attractive little family car that will seat five.

It’s half-term so there’s football training, an away football match, a trip to the theatre and a shopping trip to Fareham. All good for putting the e Vitara through its paces. There are three driving modes: eco, standard and sport. Eco is a little sluggish, as you might expect but does the job and seems pretty efficient. It’s encouraging that the range reading seems to be of the more reliable kind, one that the driver might actually be able to trust, which is a first for me in an electric car. With a 0 to 60mph time of between seven and nine seconds, depending on the model, the e Vitara is swift enough at the traffic lights and I find it easily overtakes a Porsche.

The ride is smooth and my rear passengers are comfortable. Initially going from a large 4x4 to this more compact vehicle is a little shock but we all get used to it quickly enough. It’s interesting to note that the seats seem quite firm as does the suspension. It’s fitted with all the usual refinements including all round electric windows, air conditioning and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Overall the seats feel quite hard but it’s helpful that the rear seats can be moved forward or back, making it more comfortable for taller passengers while also being useful for awkward loads. The glass roof panel lightens up the dark cabin, especially on a dreary day. What is frustrating is that the headlights automatically go on to full beam when they shouldn’t – when there is a vehicle directly in front of me – and that is frustrating because I have to dip them.

On my first drive I struggle to select Park and then realise it’s just a matter of pressing the P. The interior is well designed as is the dashboard. It feels like a good amount of car for the money and I like the fact that the top speed is limited to 93mph. There’s no need to go any faster in the UK. Externally, the test model, finished in black with privacy glass looks very cool indeed with its rather boxy angular design. This five door looks like a three door thanks to its clever design and the rear door handles being hidden in the bodywork. There’s a sunroof too but try as I might I cannot find the foot warmer and that means my feet remain cold; the older I get warm feet are a must. That said, there’s a lot to like about this electric car.

Facts at a glance

VIDEO

By Tim Saunders

When there’s yet another war that sees fuel prices continually rise you need a vehicle that avoids petrol stations. While I am driving the Honda CR-V full hybrid, which will travel almost 600 miles on a tank, we enter the sixth week of the war in Iran, which sees fuel prices soar to almost two euros a litre in France – where I happen to be evaluating it. It seemed a good idea at the time of booking but now the country is in uproar over the price hikes. In fact it’s the main story in the media during my visit. The petrol stations are only carrying about 40 per cent of the fuel they usually do, meaning that rationing is in place and there are queues at every filling station, causing tailbacks on main roads. Lorries and buses are parked up. The same does not seem to be the case in Britain even though the prices are high.

So every time I start the CR-V I am mindful of these world events.

Driving this SUV is a very enjoyable, relaxed experience. In common with any other vehicle of this type the driver and passengers are high up so there’s a commanding view of the road ahead. The black leather seats are robust and supportive – they’re heated and cooled. And most importantly, it’s easy to drive. Just select Drive mode and push the accelerator.

“Please turn the alarm off while boarding,” I’m asked by a Brittany Ferries member of staff as I park on the Condor ferry.

“I don’t know how to,” I reply sheepishly. I then worry about the alarm going off as the Condor Ferries Voyager cuts through the ocean at a fast speed barrelling up and down along the way. So when I hear a car alarm sounding in the first ten minutes of the crossing, I become concerned but it’s not the Honda and its alarm does not go off on any crossing so that’s impressive.

On the open road the pearlescent white CR-V will keep up with the best of them, it will accelerate to 60mph from stand still in under 10 seconds, which for a heavy vehicle laden with luggage and five occupants is good enough. Equally it will potter around country lanes without complaint. It’s comforting to know that there’s bags of power if required. And it’s easy to park. I don’t like paying for parking so will always try and find somewhere else. I find a lovely space on the edge of Cancale, a picturesque fishing village in Brittany, behind another car but there is a chunky metal bollard behind me. However, the cameras in the CR-V provide an excellent view of this irritating obstruction and I’m able to park without any problem.

My only criticism is that I forget that I’ve left the sunroof tilted open – it would be useful if this automatically closed when the vehicle is locked.

The other issue is that when abroad the DAB function on the stereo does not seem to register so we go back to FM and it works.

The rear privacy glass poses a problem for the Customs staff, who cannot see our children but the cavernous boot is roomy enough for all our luggage and will even carry a hay bale for my daughters’ rabbits.

A smart looking vehicle this sixth generation model becomes a reliable friend over the course of the test.

The CR-V was launched in 1995, the same year that I passed my driving test, aged 17. I feel old.

Facts at a glance