Sixth generation Honda CR-VA is the largest of its kind ever and includes a much classier interior and updated powertrain.
Announced overnight in the US, the design of the new crossover shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as we’ve already seen patent schematics and uncovered vehicles leak out of China.
Overall, the design is an evolution of today’s car, but with a more formal air. The design of the large hexagonal grille and headlights have a kinship with the global HR-V, while the L-shaped taillights are a clear link to the upcoming model.
So far, the company has only revealed the look of the Sport and Sport Touring variants, both of which feature a black painted grille, mirrors, air vents and lower body moldings.
While the Sport Touring version has a subtle satin chrome finish for the grille wings that protrude into the headlights and lower air intakes, it is likely that less “sporty” variants will have more gray plastic. more and a few chrome rays.
Honda says the car looks “firmer and more sophisticated”, mainly thanks to the stronger shoulder line and the A-pillar sitting 122mm further, 36mm lower and 71mm further.
Inside, the CR-V dashboard is heavily influenced by the latest American Civic and HR-V with a long honeycomb mesh strip that runs horizontally across the car and camouflages the position of the air vents.
A knurled dial graces the freestanding infotainment screen – 7.0 inches on base models and 9.0 inches on more advanced versions – and climate control. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come with a larger screen, while the smaller screen only supports wired smartphone mirroring.
Dashboard with physical tachometer on the right and 7.0-inch digital display on the left, including a fully digital tachometer on turbo models and electric flow diagrams on hybrid variants.
In the US, the base engine is a modified version of the 1.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Constant peak power at 142kWalthough now it is made at 6000 rpm, which is 400 rpm higher than before.
While the maximum torque remains at 243Nmthe curve is now wider starting at 1750 rpm – compared to 2000 rpm before – and ending at 5000 rpm.
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard with the turbo and comes with a “shift mode” that simulates traditional gears during strong acceleration.
An improvement 2.0 liter hybrid expected to account for 50% of sales in the US. The Atkinson four-cylinder engine has been upgraded with direct injection, while the two electric motors have been repositioned to be placed side by side, allowing for more torquier traction.
The total system output is 152kWup 2kW, while the electric motor is said to generate 335Nm, an improvement of 20Nm.
The top speed has been continuously increased from 137km/h to 185km/h, while the “linear shift control” system allows the petrol engine rpm to rise and fall just like on a non-electric car with a box. traditional automatic.
Both powertrains are available with all-wheel drive that can send up to 50% of the vehicle’s torque to the rear wheels. Downhill control at a driver-selectable speed is standard on all models, regardless of powertrain.
The new CR-V is Length 4694mm, Width 1864mm, Height 1692mmand ride on a Wheelbase 2700mmmeaning the sixth-generation car is 69mm longer, 10mm wider, 2mm taller and has a 41mm longer wheelbase than the old model.
This size increase not only means more space for occupants in the CR-V, but also allows Honda to fit a model in between the global HR-V (sold in Australia) and the CR-V. The model is expected to have the designation ZR-V, and is almost identical to the US HR-V.
Both CR-V powertrains feature a larger engine –1028L when measured to the roof – and on the turbo this can be extended by 85L by lowering the boot floor. Drop the rear seats which can be folded 60/40 and the cargo space increases to 2166L.
It should be noted that the US CR-Vs only have 5 seats, while international models will be offered in both 5 and 7 seat covers.
Besides the CR-V rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, 235/60 tires or 19-inch rims in 235/55 rubber. The CR-V’s suspension includes a MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link system at the rear.
On the safety front, the CR-V’s sensors have a wider field of view, with the front camera having a 90-degree field of view and the radar said to have a 120-degree field of view.
In the US, blind-spot monitoring is now standard, combined with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. New safety elements include traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist and driver attention monitoring.
Other available features include a 15W smartphone wireless charging dock and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Honda has begun production of the new CR-V at three plants across North America, with sales scheduled to begin soon. It’s unclear when other factories around the world will begin production of the sixth-generation CR-V and when the crossover will be available in Australia.
THAN: Everything Honda CR-DRAW
