HATCHING A NEW HONDA CR-V; Sock-curling not an option.(News)(Product/service evaluation)

Byline: J.P. VETTRAINO

Spend an hour driving the Honda CR-V and you'll be reminded of that joke about mopeds being a good ride until your friend sees you on it. This little sport/utility vehicle-crossover thing won't do much for your enthusiast creds, but as agreeable, practical all-purpose transportation, it's hard to beat.

CR-V is pleasant in all circumstances. It can haul lots of stuff and provides a modicum of all-terrain capability, but it won't beat you up.

The new third-generation 2007 CR-V just does everything a bit better than the 2006, without messing with a proven formula. The basic size/power/performance equation is just fine with customers, according to Honda, so refinement was the guiding principle. The new CR-V is slightly larger in most dimensions, and interior space is reapportioned. There is less volume overall, yet more hip room in front and two cubic feet more cargo space.

Honda has ditched the side-hinged rear door it once swore by in favor of a more conventional swing-up hatch. The company claims the CR-V tailgate requires less force to operate than any in the class. High-tensile steel is applied more lavishly throughout the CR-V's unibody, and Honda predicts the best crash ratings of any small SUV. There is more sound insulation and double seals on all doors.

Honda concluded that shoppers who seriously considered a second-gen CR-V and ultimately chose another vehicle did so based on styling. Thus, the '07 swaps puppy-cute looks for what project leader Mitsuru Horikoshi calls "advanced emotional styling.'' This CR-V is supposed to be more dynamic, with a more rugged lower body.

An optional V6-offered on nearly all competitors-would compromise CR-V's basic frugal character, according to Horikoshi. The engine remains a 2.4-liter VTEC four, with an increase of 10 hp (to 166, with 161 lb-ft of torque), thanks largely to a slight increase in compression. There is no choice of transmissions, either. With the take rate at 3 percent, there was simply no case for continuing with a manual. The CR-V's automatic has five speeds, while a four-speed is the class standard.