Regardless of trim level, all four CR-V wheels are bridled by antilock

Cloth trimmed seats are firm, but comfortable. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

disc brakes that require very little effort to transform mobility into immobility. Due in part to Honda's Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and hydraulic Brake Assist (BA), emergency stops in my tester came off quickly, free of nosedive and unnecessary fanfare. Again the CR-V's meager curb weight proved beneficial, yet CR-V safety doesn't cease with strong brake performance; Honda also takes occupant protection seriously.

The CR-V is fitted with front and side airbag protection for the driver and front seat passenger. All outboard occupants are protected with Honda's side curtain airbags with rollover detection technology. Quite commendably Honda has also supplied their Vehicle Stability Assist electronic anti-skid program with traction control as part of the CR-V's standard-equipment outfitting. These installations add up to an impressive array of safety and occupant protection, supplied as standard equipment in a base model, low cost SUV. Of course moving up through CR-V trim levels quickly diminishes its "low cost" appeal.

The RealTime 4WD CR-V is available in three distinct trim levels. Along

Three round knobs sit below the large CD storage bin. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

this continuum the CR-V gains pleasantries such as a power moonroof, leather upholstery and trim, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, AM/FM/XM 6-disc in-dash premium audio, heated front seats, exterior temperature and 16-inch alloy wheels along with body-coloured bumpers and mirrors. Standard CR-V rigging includes keyless entry, power windows, power locks, AM/FM/CD 4-speaker audio, intermittent wipers, rear wiper, cruise control, air conditioning with air filtration and rear heat ducts- the culmination of which is very gratifying. But that's not the only gratification.

In the same way that a well-worn pair of Bostonian's fit every

CR-V's design is aging, but it's aging well. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

curve, protrusion and roll of an aging foot, the CR-V fits a frugal, active lifestyle. In the realm of SUVs, this one makes sense. It delivers plenty of comfort (despite my armrest complaint), versatility and practicality. It can hit the ski slopes today, move furniture tomorrow and pick-up the in-laws the following day - all without breaking a sweat or consuming vast quantities of over-priced fuel. As a family vehicle, the CR-V provides a level of protection more in common with premium-level SUVs than entry-level examples. And here's the real clincher for me: the CR-V is in the same price range as the Honda Accord, which is a remarkably fine car, but of far less utility. Given the choice, it's CR-V for my garage.