Honda launches all-new CR-V

Honda launches all-new CR-V

The all-new, 3rd generation Honda CR-V, which builds on the outstanding reputation of its predecessor, is now at Honda showrooms around Ireland. The new CR-V delivers a driving experience as good as a premium D-sector saloon, has sportier styling, improved equipment levels and Honda’s latest advanced safety technology.

The CR-V’s predecessors set new standards in the SUV sector in their time.  With the market becoming increasingly crowded, Honda has raised the bar further on the new model, and in keeping with recent strategies, has moved the CR-V into the premium class. This latest CR-V has even better handling and ride comfort, more car-like styling, greater comfort and more luxurious interior, reflecting the growing demand for quality and premium products in the compact SUV market.

Frank Kennedy, Sales and Marketing Director of Universal Honda said the he expects 2007 to be a great year for the Honda CR-V:  “Our expectations are that we will sell 565 new CR-V.  The new CR-V is the most fuel efficient soft road SUV on the market - the new 2.0 petrol is 10% more fuel efficient than the previous petrol CR-V!  That, together with its car-like styling and innovative design makes the new CR-V stand out from the competition.  We expect that the bulk of the sales of the new CR-V will be from the ES model”.

The new CR-V comes with in three models:  CR-V ES, CR-V EX and CR-V EX-T.  All models come with a choice of engines – an all-new 2.0 litre petrol engine and Honda’s celebrated 140 PS 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel.  The new 2.0-litre petrol uses the finest of Honda’s VTEC and control systems expertise together with comprehensive friction reduction technology, and introduces an extra element to the mix: delayed closure of the intake valves combined with a wide open throttle valve during low-load driving conditions to reduce pumping loss and boost fuel economy.

Unique in the market sector, the new Honda CRV is available with an option Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the radar-controlled cruise control function which maintains a set distance to a vehicle in front by applying either brake or throttle; and Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) which warns the driver and applies light braking if the distance to the vehicle in front decreases beyond an acceptable level, before applying strong braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation becomes critical. (Available Spring 2007)  Standard to all models is Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), the system designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying brake force to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and managing the throttle. VSA is designed to complement the Real Time 4WD system and it is supplemented by Trailer Stability Assist.

Active Front Lighting whereby the headlamps turn in the direction the vehicle is heading is also offered on the CR-V for the first time. HID (high intensity discharge) headlamps are fitted to both EX models. These safety measures are in addition to front, side and full length curtain airbags with rollover sensor, front and rear seatbelt reminders, and five ISOFIX fittings on rear seats which are standard on all models

The new car’s sportier styling is characterised by a cab-forward look and a coupe-like tapering side window profile, resulting in enhanced vehicle dynamics.  The front is bolder with a more prominent bonnet and a distinctive double grille flanked by projector-style headlamps.  At the rear, the vertically opening tailgate’s rounded glass and sculptured lower panel add further distinction.  The spare wheel is located beneath the floor in the boot.  17” alloy wheel are standard on the ES and 18” on the other models. A Panorama glass roof is standard on EX models.

Compared to its predecessor, the new CR-V is 105mm shorter, mainly due to the relocation of the spare wheel, 35mm wider and height is down by 30mm.  The wheelbase is reduced from 2630 to 2620mm and front and rear tracks at 1565mm are 25 and 5mm wider respectively.  It offers excellent fuel economy and one of the main elements behind this is a 12% lower drag co-efficient

On the interior, the new premium design features metallic trim elements applied to fascia and doors that contrast with soft textured black trim.  Leather upholstery is standard on the EX and EX-T Models.  Both the manual and automatic gear levers have been reallocated to bring them closer to the steering wheel and these are complimented by a unique stubby handbrake located on the leading edge of the centre console.  Front seats are larger and more comfortable and the steering column is adjustable for reach as well as rake.  The ‘double-deck’ luggage area is innovatively designed to offer a new level of flexibility in load carrying.

In summary the new CR-V offers a handsome package with very high specification.