Honda has revealed details of its redesigned CR-V small SUV which goes on sale globally following an international motor show debut at Paris on the 28th.
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US press drove it this week and reports so far all seem favourable.
It’s much the same size as its predecessor and a bit heavier, and fully restyled with a much curvier look than the ’06 model.
A lower centre of gravity (reduced by 35mm), wider stance (increased by 30mm) and a number of changes to steering and suspension geometry have all helped to enhance the CR-V’s handling characteristics, Honda claims. Steering response is faster and feels more direct, while directional stability and all-round agility also benefit from further development to the car’s chassis.
A revised Real Time 4WD system that detects front wheel slip and sends torque rearwards has a dual-pump system with a one-way cam unit and can transfer 20% more torque compared to the existing unit.
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By GlobalDataA vertically-opening tailgate is the main new exterior design feature, sandwiched between roof-high strips of lights, and notably, the spare wheel has gone – it’s now hidden under the load compartment floor. The previous model had a lift-up rear window and separate side opening tailgate; the latter opened from the ‘wrong’ side (right hinge) on left-hand drive models for kerbside loading.
Two active safety systems are available on the new CR-V, and they’re unique to the SUV segment, Honda claims.
The first, adaptive cruise control (ACC), is a radar-controlled cruise control function which maintains a set distance to the vehicle in front, while collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) predicts collisions and warns the driver, before applying strong braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation becomes critical. Both these systems are optional depending on grade.
Elsewhere, a full complement of passive safety measures includes dual stage SRS front airbags, side airbags for front seat passengers, full length curtain airbags, front and rear seatbelt reminders and active front headrests – all fitted as standard.
The new CR-V also incorporates trailer stability assist (TSA) as standard which together with vehicle stability assist (VSA) ensures that towing safety is continuously monitored and corrected. Towing capacity on the Europe-only diesel-engined CR-V is increased from 1,500kg to a very competitive 2,000kg.
Honda anticipates a class-leading Euro NCAP 5-star rating for occupant protection, 4-stars for child protection and a 3-star pedestrian rating. It achieves excellent levels of safety through a strong body structure design, made from 58% high tensile steel.
Active front lighting (AFS) – headlights that turn to illuminate the road in the direction the vehicle is heading – also make their way onto the CR-V for the first time. This system uses high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.
Inside the cabin, accommodation remains generous and the dimensions are similar to the previous CR-V. Load space, however, is extended backwards to take up the space left by the former tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Access has been improved by larger doors that open wider, and lower sills.
The interior is high quality, featuring metallic elements on the dash and doors that contrast with soft textured black trim. Front seats are larger and more comfortable and the steering column is adjustable for reach as well as rake. Relocation of the gear lever to the base of the centre stack brings it closer to the steering wheel and creates more floor space but the old model’s dash-mounted handbrake is replaced by a handle between the seats, apparently hindering the previous auto model’s ‘walk-thru’ convenience.
Depending on grade, more premium equipment is available, including a driver’s eight-way adjustable power seat, leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera.
Top spec CR-Vs are equipped with a panoramic glass roof – similar to that found on the UK-built Civic hatchback – which provides an even lighter cabin. This can be closed off by two electric blinds which are covered in the same material as the roof lining.
The rear seat (split 60:40 at base, 40:20:40 seat back) is able to slide forward to maximise leg room or luggage space and can also recline for added comfort. The centre section folds flat to enable longer items to be carried while still accommodating two rear seat passengers. A huge load area is created by tumbling forward the seats, storing them upright. This is big enough for two mountain bikes with their front wheels still in place.
Added flexibility is provided by a novel ‘Double Deck’ luggage area, created by a shelf that sits at a height of 330mm above the load floor. It means luggage can be subdivided, with that on the lower level more easily accessible. The shelf is also hinged across its width for added convenience. When not in use, the shelf can either be removed or stored snugly in a recess in the floor.
European model line power comes from a new 2.0-litre petrol or a 2.2 diesel engine. Honda’s 140PS 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel continues; but as aerodynamic efficiency is improved by 12%, fuel economy improves but Honda is not yet saying by how much.
The petrol engine is an all-new unit based on the 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC from the European Civic range. Like that engine, the 2.0-litre has VTEC and friction reduction technologies, plus the delayed closure of the intake valves combined with a wide open throttle valve during low-load driving conditions. This helps to reduce pumping losses and thus boost fuel economy. Petrol engine models are also equipped with brand new transmissions: all manual gearboxes are six-speed, while a five-speed automatic is also available.
Maximum power is 150 PS at 6,200 rpm (lower in the rev range than the current 2.0), while torque is 190Nm (140lb.ft) at 4,200 rpm. The efficiency of the engine, together with improved aerodynamics and new gearboxes, have boosted fuel economy figures. Performance is also enhanced, with the 0 to 62mph time dropping from 10.8 to 10.2 seconds (manual) and from 13.1 to 12.2 seconds (automatic).
According to enthusiast website The Car Connection, which tried the newcomer this week, US models carry over a 2.4-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with improved valve timing and manifold tuning that yields 10 more horsepower (to 166) and one more lb-ft (to 161) over a more linear torque curve, plus one additional EPA highway mpg.
That slightly enhanced efficiency – despite the added width and weight – results from a 10% reduction in aerodynamic drag and a new standard five-speed automatic transmission with a taller top gear compared with the ’06 four-speed automatic, TCC said, adding that the manual option has been axed for ’07 and that, unlike Toyota’s US-spec RAV 4 rival, there is no V6 engine option.
European CRVs will be built in the UK. The Swindon plant here ceased building some of the US requirements a while ago; most US ‘07s will come from Honda’s East Liberty plant in Ohio where Job 1 came off a line shared with the Civic and Element at 7pm on 26 September, according to Honda of America Manufacturing.
