Europe buyer can now finally buy the fifth-generation Honda CR-V in their home market, the first time the family SUV is offered with an electrified powertrain. However, Europe market gets a detuned version of the CR-V hybrid compared to the one offered in the Chinese market.
The CR-V hybrid is powered by Honda’s i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) technology compromising a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors and an innovative direct transmission. Total output from the i-MMD system is 184 hp and 315 Nm of torque, 28 hp lower than what you get in China but it generates more torque the 190 hp/243 Nm 1.5-litre i-VTEC turbo mill.
Rather than using a conventional cogged transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission, the CR-V Hybrid adopts a single speed fixed ratio transmission. The benefit is a smooth and direct transfer of torque, resulting in high levels of efficiency and refinement.
The i-MMD technology features three drive modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive. As the name suggests, EV Drive allows the car to drive on electric power only while the combustion engine will kick in occasionally for additional propulsion power in Hybrid Drive mode. Engine Drive drives the car on the combustion engine alone and Honda says this mode is the most efficient set-up for high-speed cruising.
The new CR-V hybrid can be distinguished through the unique Vehicle Driver Information Interface (DII) screen that displays the current drive status, lithium-ion battery charge, current power flow, and recharging status of the system.
Production of the Honda CR-V hybrid for the European market is scheduled to start in October 2018 while customer delivers is expected to happen in early 2019.
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Honda CR-V Hybrid for Europe
