By John Simpson 18 July 2012
Honda’s new CR-V will launch this October with improvements to interior space, CO2 output, ride comfort and fuel efficiency.
The compact SUV, which has been built at Honda’s Swindon production plant, will hit the UK market with a choice of two engines – a 2L i-VTEC petrol or a 2.2L i-DTEC diesel – with CO2 emissions cut by 10%.
No explicit figures regarding mpg have been revealed yet although it is reasonable to expect similar improvements to that of the tailpipe.
In a first for the CR-V, buyers will be able to choose for a two or four-wheel drive on the 2L petrol model.
The fourth generation CR-V is 5mm shorter in length with 30mm chopped off the height compared to the outgoing model, however luggage space has been increased with no negative impact on the interior space for passengers. One of the designers behind the new CR-V says they wanted to create “a feeling of openness” inside.
Boot space has grown by 148 litres to 1648 litres with the rear seats down, plenty room for “two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs” (Honda’s choice of measurement, not ours).
With five passengers, boot capacity sits at a still fairly hefty 589 litres. The load length has been increased by 140mm to 1570mm, while fitting in bulky loads should be easier with the height of the load lip reduced by 25mm.
With a bolder, more aerodynamic nose, the revised bumper has gained front LED daytime running lights while LED lights have also been added at the rear. Noise and vibration from the road have been reduced with harshness improved too.
“The CR-V has always been a car for every occasion,” said Exterior Designer Manabu Konaka. “It can be both casual and formal, but the appearance must always convey solidity and reliability.”
Price and specification will be revealed in September.
Honda has sold five million CR-Vs worldwide since launching in 1995.
Categories: Fleet news , Honda
