Honda has pulled the wraps off the new fifth-generation Honda CR-V for the American market. The new CR-V features a bolder character, more spacious interior and more importantly, a turbocharged powertrain sourced from the tenth-generation Honda Civic.
Known as the Compact Recreational Vehicle, the CR-V has been fulfilling the needs of SUV-crazy Americans for over two decades. The new CR-V complies with Honda’s current design language, with its aggressive grille, sharper headlights, and the Type-R inspired bumpers and body panels. The rear’s double exhaust tips, chrome plate finishing and angular taillights portray excitement compared to the predecessor’s uninspired looks.
Honda is also debuting its first ever Automatic Shutter Grille System and Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate system. The former reduces aerodynamic drag while the latter uses foot-activated sensor to open the tailgate.
The new CR-V also embraces turbocharging for the first time. It gets the Civic’s 1.5-litre forced inducted unit that develops 190 hp at 5,600 rpm and 243 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. In case you prefer a larger displacement engine, there’s the 2.4-litre DOHC direct injected unit as an option as well. That lump, which is a carryover from the predecessor, makes 184 hp at 6,400 rpm and 244 Nm at 3,900 rpm.
Only the seven-speed EarthDreams Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is offered for all CR-Vs. As before, a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive variant will be available.
Being the experts in interior packaging, the new CR-V promises superior cabin space and best rear legroom in its class. Creature comforts comprise of a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate controls, electronic parking brake, rear USB charging ports, electronic seats and so on. Despite its improved interior space (thanks to the new model’s longer wheelbase), the new CR-V remains strictly a five-seater.
Safety in the CR-V is reinforced with the inclusion of Honda Sensing across all CR-V variants, minus the entry-level variant. The kit includes Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). Also part of the package are Blind Spot Information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) and Auto High Beam (HSS) headlights.
So there you have it, an SUV with a much-improved interior spacing, first in class safety, and a new turbocharged engine. It’s only a matter of time before we get our hands on the CR-V. But until then, how will this appeal to you, dear readers?
IMAGE GALLERY
