New Honda CR-V 4×4 breaks cover

New Honda CR-V 4×4 breaks cover 

Wednesday 18 July 2012

• Fourth generation of Honda’s British built 4×4
• Choice of two and four-wheel drive
• UK launch this October

Further details of the forthcoming Honda CR-V have been released, with the car appearing in showrooms this October.

This is the fourth generation of the CR-V 4×4, and has been described as “the car for every occasion” by Designer Manabu Konaka.

That’s certainly what they’ve aimed for with the styling, which has elements of both cars and traditional 4×4s. The wrap-around headlights and assertive grille are reminiscent of the current Honda Civic, while the large wheel arches and chunky bumpers are a nod to the car’s more off-road leanings.

Despite this new car shrinking in both length and height (by 5mm and 30mm respectively), there has been no reduction in interior space. Boot space has in fact gone up – now 1,648 litres with the rear seats folded flat and a competitive 589 litres with them in place.

Honda has been at pains to stress that while this new CR-V is now a ‘global’ car (in that it is sold in the same specification around the world); it has been designed with European tastes in mind. This is particularly evident in the interior, where an open, airy layout, improved refinement and an emphasis on intuitive controls, all combine to satisfy our higher than average demands.

As for engines, you’ll have a choice of either a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol or a 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel, with the predictable improvements in both performance and C02 emissions.

The 2.0-litre petrol has a slightly increased power output of 153bhp (up from 148), yet its CO2 emissions have fallen two whole road-tax bands from 192 to 174g/km.

The diesel motor shows similar improvements. Power remains unchanged at 148bhp, but CO2 emissions have dropped from 171 to 152g/km, a saving of £105 in first year tax at the current rate.

The efficiency gains have been a result of engine refinements and aerodynamic tweaks to improve the car’s drag. All models now also get stop-start and an economy mode, which alters the air-con to further maximise economy.

For the first time ever, the CR-V is also available in two-wheel-drive configuration, which is likely to prove popular with cost conscious UK buyers, who aren’t looking for consummate off-road ability.

To improve the car-like driving experience for which the CR-V is noted, the suspension dampers have been made stiffer all-round and the body itself has been made stiffer. This is likely to improve both road-holding and body-control in the corners and stability at higher speeds.

As well as the mechanical changes, the CR-V comes with a host of electronic safety programs, designed to keep you from crashing when you’re on the road, and to keep you going when you’re not. Features include Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, which prevent the car running away from you when negotiating particularly steep inclines, and Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation Braking, which could prevent or lessen the severity of some accidents.

The new Honda CR-V goes on sale in October. We will bring you further details on specifications and pricing when they are announced.