Roger @ CAFz

If Honda's Civic is the bread of the model lineup, the CR-V must be the butter. These two models represent a large percentage of Honda sales and both have been redone completely for the 2012 model year. The Civic has been out for a while, but we tested the new 2012 CR-V, which will be available this coming January. New styling, new features and improvements to powertrain and suspension are just some of the changes on this 2012 compact SUV.

This is the 4th generation of CR-V and the 2012 model has a smoother, sleeker look. The sleek look starts at the chrome three-bar grille, which notches into the wraparound headlight modules to provide a rugged but integrated look. Flared fenders are filled with tall 65 series 17 inch tires and the side panels are accented with a sculptured body line through the door handles and another along the bottom of the doors. Gone are the plastic ribbed rocker panels of last year.

Chrome roof rails on the Touring model are standard and carry the smooth look from the windshield to the high-mounted tail lights. A rear liftgate provides excellent access for loading cargo into the 1054 litres of space behind the second-row seats.

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/cars/H...#ixzz1eH40vLX1