Honda is about to reveal the brand’s first- ever electrified SUV powertrain when it unveils its CR-V Hybrid Prototype at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Wider, taller and longer than the previous version, the Hybrid Prototype of the new CR-V has some new exterior styling, which includes sharper contours on the bonnet and at the rear and broader wheel arches. This updated style previews the forthcoming European specification CR-V model range.
The new SUV comes with thinner A-pillars than the current CR-V as well as larger wheels and tyres and the nose is updated to reflect Honda’s latest ‘face’ with its signature headlight graphic.
The CR-V Hybrid Prototype’s two-motor system in comprises an electric propulsion motor, a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine for electrical energy generation and propulsion, and a separate electric generator motor. Instead of conventional transmission, the hybrid is fitted with a single fixed-gear ratio that creates a direct connection between moving components, that according to the Japanese manufacturer enables ‘a smooth transfer of torque’.
The Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system determines how to use fuel and electrical energy most efficiently . This means that the driver does not need to switch between the three available modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive, the i-MMD does that automatically.
In EV Drive the vehicle is powered solely from the batteries, resulting in zero-emissions driving. In Hybrid Drive, the petrol engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn delivers power to the electric propulsion motor. In Engine Drive, the wheels are directly driven by the petrol engine, with an peak power ‘boost’ available from the electric propulsion motor.
In most urban driving situations, the vehicle will move between Hybrid Drive and EV Drive but when brisk acceleration is needed and for efficient highway driving, the car will engage the petrol engine in Engine Drive mode.
Honda has revealed that the 2018 CR-V will also be specified with Honda’s 1.5 litre VTEC turbo petrol engine, with a choice of either six-speed manual or continuously variable ‘CVT’ transmission and that the all-new CR-V will not feature a diesel powertrain in European markets.
More details about the all-new Honda CR-V for Europe will be unveiled early next year before the official launch.