Honda's brand-wide generational redesign has permeated through nearly all of their major models. Now the HR-V, and most recently the Civic all share a common design and projected similar visual and technical identities, inside and out.
A major holdout was the popular CR-V (…and the Accord), but now the Japanese automaker has pulled the wraps off the all-new fifth-generation version in Detroit, Michigan; with North America being an important market for Honda, the CR-V holding the title of best-selling SUV in America for some time now with nearly 4 million sold since its launch in 1997.
“The new Honda CR-V raises the bar in every imaginable way, delivering more performance, space and premium content together with higher fuel economy ratings and value than ever before,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. “Customers are going to love what they see and what they experience behind the wheel of this new CR-V.”
Beginning with the 2017 CR-V’s exterior, we see Honda carrying over many of the cues it established with the 10th-generation Civic with which it shares a common platform - an overall more angular and aggressive approach to the design, tightly integrated headlamps and front grille, sleeker rake to the windscreen. In spite of its sleeker profile, it's actually 40mm taller.
It also looks more rugged with thicker cladding surrounding the SUV’s perimeter. However, this is offset slightly by the decidedly ‘urban’ looking wheels (17-inch or 18-inch). The CR-V is also sits upon a longer wheelbase with shorter overhangs for a more athletic road presence, reflected by its dual tailpipes and standard LED daytime running lights up front.
For front illumination, Honda reserves full LED headlights for higher trim levels - upwards from the Touring grade in North America. And staying at the front, its grille vents actually close to decrease aerodynamic drag at higher speed, much like BMW's new 7 Series and just-revealed 5 Series.
Under the bonnet, we no longer find that its petrol engines begin at 2.0-litres. Rather, the new CR-V adopts the new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC engine first seen in the new Civic, boosted to 142kW and bringing a new degree of efficiency and immediacy to the SUV.
Along with the new engine, the 2.4-litre direct-injected i-VTEC engine will be carried forward to some markets from the fourth-generation version, with both being mated to Honda’s Earth Dreams CVT which sends power to either the front wheels or all of them, depending on variant.
Honda also promises a more spirited drive in the new CR-V over its predecessor, touting added agility while also offering a more refined drive. Its front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension utilise specially tuned low-friction dampers, with both FWD and AWD models including tubular front and solid rear stabiliser bars that promote quick turn-in and flatter cornering. It also has dual-pinion, variable ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS). Encouraging stuff so far.
Inside, they new 2017 CR-V aims to outclass its forebear in nearly every respect. Honda’s reputation as a leader in innovative vehicle packaging is again obvious here, with them flaunt class-leading interior space and rear legroom.
It has also tried its best to bring more premium touches to the cabin, such as a redesigned dashboard and an upgraded list of higher-quality materials as well as a new aesthetic that represents an equal and significant step following the 10th-gen Civic. Apparently, Honda used the BMW X3 as the new CR-V's interior benchmark.
Its new Android-based infotainment unit uses a 7-inch touchscreen and features Honda’s newest Satellite-Linked Navigation System co-developed with Garmin. In addition, it supplies occupants with connectivity options such as smartphone integration via Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto.
Honda has also upgraded its active safety suite, Honda Sensing, which comes to the new CR-V with Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist. In addition, it now includes features such as Blind Spot Information, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and Auto High Beam assist headlights.
Upon its arrival Down Under, the all-new fifth-generation CR-V could prove to be a strong seller against the Toyota RAV4, the Ford Kuga, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and even the upcoming Holden Equinox. There’s no word yet on when that will take place exactly, but nothing less than shortly after its worldwide market premiere (December 2016 in the US) would seem likely.
For more on Honda vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
