Honda Fr-v (04-09) - A Practical People Carrier

By Author: Joseph George
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Honda FR-V (04-09) - A Practical People Carrier

The Honda FR-V was a very practical people carrier by Honda which could also carry a huge amount of luggage unlike the same in the class. Unfortunately it was phased out in 2009 by the company. The car was equipped with two rows of three seats each. The middle seat of the rear bench could be slid back to ensure a enough legroom, on the other hand the middle front seat is not that practical. It results in a car which can accommodate six adults along with their luggage within size of a normal family hatchback. In 2007, Honda added a diesel i-CTDi engine and some desperately required cosmetic changes like headlights and rear clusters which gave the FR-V a stylish look.

When the FRV was introduced in 2004, two petrol engines were offers a 1.7 litre and 2.0 litre petrol’s with 123bhp and 148bhp respectively. Both were equipped with Honda’s VTEC technology to return a better economy on the road while giving an excellent performance when required. But in 2007 Honda replaced both the petrol’s with a 1.8 litre giving 140bhp and a new i-CTDi diesel was launched. The latter ...
... soon became the pick of the range due to its excellent economy and performance, doing 0-62mpph sprint in just 10.1secs. It has a plenty of low down pulling power make in it a relaxed cruiser as well as a powerful towing vehicle.

The gearstick has been mounted to the dash board and gear changes are soft and smooth. The automatic option was given later in 2007 which is good for economy but compromises on the smoothness and response. The FR-V has a low centre of gravity, this allowed Honda to give it a spongy suspension. Though it doesn’t match the sharpness of the rivaling Ford C-MAX but still handles far better at the corners than others in class such as Vauxhall Zafira. Though the length of the FR-V is about the same as others in class but it is quite wider making it tricky to park in tight parking spaces or going through the width restrictors. The other trick bit re the thick B pillars that give a hard time while parallel or reverse parking.

The Honda FR-V could only score four star Euro NCAP crash test rating while all the others in class were awarded with full five stars. Having said that, the FR-V has been equipped with a decent amount of standard safety kit like six airbags, Antilock Brake System and electronic traction control. Honda has a strong reputation for its reliability and F-V lives up to the name. It has a been strongly built with precise panel gaps and the materials used are of high quality. The running costs are relatively low as well with insurance band of 10 or 11 depending on the trim level. Honda doesn’t make FR-V anymore but if you can get your hands on a used one, it can prove to be good, practical and reliable road companion.

Joseph George is an expert in Honda CR-V Engine. If you are interested in learning more about quality Honda CR-V Diesel Engine, please contact us by visiting: Honda CR-V Diesel Engine or by calling us at 442085960396