The fifth-generation Honda CR-V is becoming a common sighting on Malaysian roads, but our friends in Europe have yet to seen one in the metal. After what seems to be forever, Honda is set to preview the European specification of the all-new CR-V at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Europe-bound CR-Vs will be available with two powertrains – a 1.5-litre four-cylinder VTEC Turbo as well as a 2.0-litre i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid system; marking Honda’s first-ever electrified SUV available in Europe. Honda has expressed that they will not be offering diesel variants of the CR-V for Europe.
The 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo mill, can be mated to either a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or six-speed manual transmission to output 190 hp and 243 Nm of torque. On CVT equipped variants, like our local-spec CR-V, the blown mill is good for 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds (9.2 seconds for 4WD) onwards to an acclaimed top speed of 200 km/h.
The CR-V i-MMD hybrid was first unveiled in Shanghai early this year, spotting a 2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle naturally aspirated mill paired to an electric motor producing a total output of 212 hp. Drive is sent to the axles via a single fixed-gear ratio, in other words a single-speed gearbox. This combination creates a direct connection between the powerplant and moving components, enabling a smooth torque transfer. The only other hybrid vehicle that features a single-ratio gearbox we can think of is the Koenigsegg Regera megacar. Talk about bragging rights.
This advanced i-MMD hybrid system features three driving modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive. In EV Drive, the car drives on solely electric to deliver zero-emissions driving. Hybrid Drive summons the gasoline engine to supply additional propulsion force to the wheels and charge the battery pack in the most efficient way possible. Engine drive on the other hand only uses the combustion engine to drive the wheels to conserve battery charge but should the driver demand maximum power, the electric motor will come to live to give “on-demand peak power boost”.
European customers will have to wait till 2018 for the official launch of the all-new fifth-generation Honda CR-V along with the full specification and prices. Closer to home, Honda Malaysia has four variants of the CR-V on sale including the 2.0L naturally aspirated and 1.5 VTEC Turbo.
