ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS WITH NEWS OF A NEW HONDA CR-V

Later this year, Honda will launch the sixth generation of its best-selling SUV, the CR-V, which will deliver design, practicality, and everyday usability. The latest CR-V has been refined in every way to create the perfect all-round SUV as it combines the advanced and sporty values that the Honda brand is known for, with the latest driver aids and passive safety to deliver outstanding reliability, dynamics, and comfort.

With the newcomer will come a decided focus on high-quality colours, materials and fabrics throughout the cabin taking the CR-V more toward the premium segment of its sector in the market. Power choice and the new CR-V will be offered with a choice of either a full hybrid (e:HEV) or, for the first time in the European market, a plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) powertrain. Both variants feature a two litre four-cylinder direct injection Atkinson-cycle petrol engine which has been revised to enhance efficiency, refinement, and dynamic performance across the range. The e:PHEV will use the same lightweight and high-output on-board electric motors as its e:HEV stablemate to provide impressive acceleration, quick charge times and a highly competitive all-electric only range. Able to travel 82 km (51m) in electric mode, the plug-in CR-V can complete the majority of daily motoring on electric drive alone. When the battery temperature is at 25 degrees, a 100% state of charge can be achieved from empty in just 2.5 hours. Meanwhile the full hybrid version will feature the most advanced iteration of the brand’s award-winning e:HEV powertrain, first seen in the Civic hatchback; a power-dense lithium-ion battery and two compact, lightweight electric motors combine with the petrol engine to shift seamlessly between EV, Hybrid and Engine Drive, making it ideally suited to all driving situations.

The newcomer retains its familiar silhouette, but with an increased its road presence, which more purposeful styling at the front, with e:HEV and e:PHEV variants each distinguished by their own exclusive grille design. Thin headlights combine with new signature daytime running lights to generate a strong visual presence, while at the rear, the vertical brake light and turn signal combination is a smart evolution of the instantly recognisable CR-V taillight design. Visibility was a major focus during design and development; with the front corner points low, thanks to a wide, uncluttered bonnet, allowing drivers to understand the overall shape of the car. In combination with the large glasshouse, the CR-V provides outstanding all-round outward visibility for all onboard, reducing stress, increasing the feeling of openness and delivering a sense of safety and reassurance.

The evolutionary design also masks an increase in every dimension for the CR-V. Wider, longer, and taller than the outgoing model the all-new CR-V offers more interior space for passengers, a 40mm longer wheelbase allows for 16mm more rear legroom, and 118% more luggage capacity. Eight levels of adjustment for the rear seat recline, with 10.5° more angle, also allows passengers to relax in comfort. Honda SENSING which has been updated features new structural components contribute to class-leading active and passive safety and the new model is the first to include Honda SENSING 360, the company’s all-new omnidirectional safety and driver assist system, which removes blind spots around the vehicle and further contributes to collision avoidance by reducing the burden on the driver.

Honda claim that with this sixth generation model they have the ultimate SUV in its class; I look forward very much to taking the wheel, I was certainly impressed with the outgoing model.