More spacious than its predecessor, the all-new, fifth-generation Honda CR-V has arrived in South Africa and is available with a turbocharged engine for the first time.
Drivetrain
The new Honda CR-V comes with a choice of two drivetrains: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol mill – Honda South Africa has no plans to introduce a diesel option.
The 2.0-litre normally aspirated unit (used in the previous CR-V) delivers a maximum power output of 113kW at 6 500 r/min, combined with a torque peak of 189Nm at 4 300 r/min and is mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) auto gearbox. This engine is found in the Comfort and Elegance models and drive is to the front wheels.
For the first time, the CR-V offers turbocharged power in the 1.5-litre mill fitted to the 1.5T Executive and 1.5T Exclusive models. This delivers 140kW of maximum power at 5 600 r/min, together with 240Nm of maximum torque between 2 000 and 5 000 r/min.
The new turbo engine is again accompanied by Honda’s CVT gearbox, but is linked to an AWD system that transfers power from the front to the rear wheels when additional traction is required.
Styling
Honda has given the all-new CR-V a current design, although nothing eye-poppingly unusual. The CR-V does look somewhat streamlined with the bonnet’s contours meeting the base of the slim A-pillar and the roofline sporting integrated roof rails. The new grille and curved, slimline headlights (featuring integrated daytime running lights) also bring the vehicle up to date.
Interior
The increase in wheelbase, as well as wider front and rear tracks, has resulted in a significantly more spacious cabin with an increased interior volume.
Luggage capacity in the CR-V is 522 litres with the seats in place and 1 084 litres with the seatbacks folded down.
Honda describes one of the key interior highlights as, ‘the introduction of a full-colour TFT driver information interface, which replaces the previous model’s conventional analogue dials. Located in a dedicated binnacle directly ahead of the driver, the display is dominated by a graph-type rev counter, accompanied by a digital speedometer’.
A centrally located five-inch or seven-inch display (depending on the model) provides access to the new CR-V’s infotainment system.
All models except the entry-level Comfort version feature electric seat adjustment and even seat heating as standard on the front bucket seats.
Rear accommodation is generous, with best-in-class rear legroom.
Platform and suspension
The fifth-generation Honda CR-V employs an all-new platform (the same as found in the Honda Civic) that has more torsional rigidity, which benefits handling. However the CR-V is more about comfort than sporty handling such as the Hyundai Tucson offers.
Like the previous model, the new CR-V combines a MacPherson strut-based front suspension with a multilink rear configuration. However, the entire suspension has been revised.
This includes the use of liquid-filled bushings and low-friction dampers for added comfort, while new, tubular stabiliser bars in front and solid stabiliser bars have been added to the rear.
The electric power steering has also been recalibrated to give better steering precision and feedback.
Colours
The new Honda CR-V range is available in a choice of six colours: White Orchid Pearlescent, Passion Red Pearlescent, Lunar Silver Metallic, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Dark Olive Metallic.
Pricing
CR-V 2.0 Comfort R422 900
CR-V 2.0 Elegance R477 900
CR-V 1.5T Executive R584 900
CR-V 1.5T Exclusive R626 900
The range is backed by a comprehensive five-year/200 000km warranty, as well as a five-year/90 000km service plan.
Also included is a three-year AA Road Assist package. Scheduled services are at 15 000km intervals for the 2.0-litre models, and 10 000km for the 1.5-litre turbo variants.