SAVER OF THE MONTH
What Car? UK|December 2023
These plug-in hybrid SUVS can all save you money on running costs, especially if you're a company car driver But which one will net you the most interest in return?
SAVER OF THE MONTH

Honda has a rich history of innovation. It introduced the automotive world H to map-based satellite navigation systems in the Accord executive car, pioneered agility-enhancing four-wheel steering in the Prelude coupé and was a trailblazer of hybrid technology with the Insight.

But when you shift focus to the brand's largest family SUV, the CR-V, there's less to crow about. The original model from 1995 may have played a significant role in popularising the category, but it can't lay claim to inventing it; the Toyota RAV4 was ahead of it. And given that Honda is a brand that likes to be first to market with new technology, it's slightly ironic that this latest, sixth-generation CR-V is only now becoming available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in Europe, a decade after Mitsubishi launched the Outlander PHEV.

However, being late to the party isn't necessarily a bad thing, because it's given Honda time to deliver a very competitive PHEV system for it. The plug-in CR-V uses the same 2.0-litre petrol engine and pair of electric motors as the regular hybrid CR-V and Civic family hatchback, but it benefits from a much larger battery. As a result, the official electric range is 51 miles - an impressive figure for the class.

The new CR-V is bigger than its predecessor in every dimension, and the PHEV is available only in fully loaded Advance Tech trim (whereas there's a choice of two specs with the regular hybrid). These upmarket ambitions come with a commensurately lofty price tag of £53,995 - putting the CR-V right in the firing line of premium-badged rivals such as the Lexus NX.

When the latest iteration of the NX arrived in 2021, we not only awarded the PHEV version a fivestar rating but also named it our Plug-in Hybrid of the Year twice in a row, thanks to an official electric range of 43 miles, competitive pricing and a great interior. Honda could hardly have picked a more formidable car to go up against.

This story is from the December 2023 edition of What Car? UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2023 edition of What Car? UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WHAT CAR? UKView All
Genesis GV60
What Car? UK

Genesis GV60

Does this plush newcomer deserve a slice of the premium electric SUV pie? The verdict is in

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
BYD Dolphin
What Car? UK

BYD Dolphin

Smallest BYD gets a smaller battery and a slimmer price tag to make it more competitive On sale Now Price from £26,195

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
BMW i5
What Car? UK

BMW i5

Our electric executive saloon disproves the notion that battery-powered cars aren't as efficient out of town

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Kia EV6
What Car? UK

Kia EV6

Electric SUV gets a larger battery, revised suspension and a new infotainment system On sale October Price from £45,575

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
What Car? UK

Maserati GranTurismo Folgore

Range-topping electric version of Maserati's four-seat coupé packs a 751bhp punch, along with an official range of 280 miles On sale Now Price from £179,950

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
What Car? UK

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Looking for all the world like a shrunken S-Class limo, the latest C-Class executive saloon is a tempting used buy with a major trick up its sleeve

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Cupra Terramar
What Car? UK

Cupra Terramar

Bigger sister to the Formentor completes Cupra's combustionengined SUV line-up On sale Early 2025 Price from £35,000 (est)

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Skoda Kamiq
What Car? UK

Skoda Kamiq

We're finding out whether this updated small SUV makes a good workhorse for a high-mileage driver

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Honda e:Ny1
What Car? UK

Honda e:Ny1

Should you consider this small electric SUV over a Smart or Volvo EX30? We're living with one to find out

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
PLUGS RETHINK
What Car? UK

PLUGS RETHINK

It may look radically different from before, but is the latest Toyota Prius a cut above its refreshed plug-in hybrid rival from Volkswagen?

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024