Honda revealed the European production version of the all-new CR-V at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show recently.
The new generation of one of the world’s best-selling SUV raises the bar in terms of interior quality, refinement and spaciousness, including, for the first time, the option of seven seats on petrol models.
The chassis is also the most sophisticated ever created for a CR-V, and ensures the car delivers an engaging driving experience with exemplary ride comfort, as well as genuine off-road capability.
The all-new CR-V has a fresh and sophisticated exterior design, with broader, muscular wheel arches, sharper contours on the bonnet and rear quarters, as well as the latest Honda family ‘face’ with its signature headlight graphic.
Thinner A-pillars, sculpted front and rear bumpers, and under-engine and under-floor covers all help to make the new CR-V one of the most aerodynamically efficient vehicles in its class. It also incorporates Honda’s ‘Active Shutter Grille’ system, which further improves fuel efficiency.
The new interior design incorporates a horizontal emphasis to the dashboard layout to highlight the more spacious cabin, by accentuating the feeling of width and conveying a sense of strength. The dashboard features two seven-inch displays, while the layout of controls has been rationalised with a simple cluster for air-conditioning management located beneath the central touchscreen.
For the first time ever, Honda hybrid technology will be offered in an SUV for Europe. The all-new CR-V will be available with Honda’s Intelligent ‘Multi Mode Drive’ (i-MMD ) hybrid system, comprising a 2.0 litre i-VTEC Atkinson cycle petrol engine and two electric motors. The i-MMD system does not use a conventional transmission. Instead, a more compact unit has a single fixed-gear ratio, to create a direct connection between moving components and a smoother transfer of torque.
A 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine, which provides strong performance and class-leading fuel economy, is also available. Power is delivered via a six-speed manual gearbox, or an optional CVT automatic transmission tuned to deliver a more linear response.
The petrol and hybrid powertrains are front-wheel drive as standard, but both can be specified with Honda’s latest all-wheel drive technology - ‘Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System’ - which gives the CR-V genuine all-terrain capability.
First deliveries of Honda CR-V fitted with the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine are expected in autumn this year with hybrid models following early in 2019.
