AFTER its global reveal last year, the highly-anticipated sixth-generation Honda CR-V recently made its Philippine debut. Since it arrived in 1997, the Honda CR-V has achieved over 70,000 units sold locally. Globally, over 13 million units have been sold since its introduction in 1995.
Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) presented the All-New CR-V in three fresh variants with two powertrain options. The top-spec 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT (full hybrid system) represents the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions towards zero environmental impact. On the other hand, the two different variants are fitted with the enhanced 1.5-liter VTEC turbocharged engine. Moreover, the proven and tested Honda SENSING comes standard with the newest Honda CONNECT telematics system.
Refined and redefined
Based on the grand concept of “Blown Away CR-V,” the All-New Honda CR-V is bigger in overall dimensions, including the wheelbase. Exterior-wise, the All-New Honda CR-V is now aligned with the brand’s design language. The fresh look features a prominent front grille with keen-looking headlamps. Its more muscular, bolder lines and sleek roofline emphasize the frame.
The interior is all about touches of high quality, toughness, and versatility, making the latest generation model the most premium and sophisticated yet. Honda claims that the new look projects Honda’s vision of making this model the ultimate all-rounder vehicle.
2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT (full hybrid system)
The e:HEV full hybrid system highlights the e:Technology, which is Honda’s high-efficiency electrification solution for a carbon-neutral society. It is applied in a broad range of Honda products in automobiles and motorcycles, power products, and motorsports.
The top-spec model’s full hybrid system has a powerful combination of two electric motors (the Traction Motor and the Generator Motor) and a new four-cylinder, 2.0-liter Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle engine. Power-wise, the engine alone generates 146 hp and 183 N-m of torque, while the electric motors dish out 181 hp and 335 N-m of torque. While the motor operates throughout the low- to high-speed range, e:HEV relies on the gasoline engine alone for high-speed cruising.
The e:HEV full hybrid system also intelligently switches between three operating modes in various driving situations. The EV Drive Mode allows the vehicle to run solely on battery power. At the same time, the Hybrid Drive mode shifts power between the electric motor and the engine, and Engine Drive Mode utilizes the gasoline engine alone. Still available is the Drive Mode Switch between Sport Mode, Normal Mode, and Econ Mode.
The e:HEV system also self-charges via the regenerative braking system and traction motor (harvesting energy from braking and deceleration). Battery charging is also done by the gasoline engine, serving as a generator. Honda claims a fuel efficiency of 29.4 KM/L in urban driving based on the United Nations Regulation 101 uniform provisions concerning the measurement of fuel consumption of vehicles with positive-ignition and compression-ignition engines and electric power trains.
Exclusive to the top-spec 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT is the RS design grille, panoramic sunroof, piano black side mirrors with turn signals, gloss black finished door sash, front, and rear LED fog lamps, body-color rear spoiler with piano black accents, piano black shark fin antenna, and RS design 18-inch piano black alloy wheels.
Inside, available features are piano black and brushed metal trims, a new Honda Smart Key Card Entry, a head-up display, and a Bose Premium Audio System with 12 speakers. Also available are Intelligent Dual-Zone Automatic, black leather seats with red stitching, 4-way power lumbar support, two-row seating, up to 1,064 liters of cargo space, and a Power Flow Meter.
i-VTEC Turbo editions
Another first in the All-New Honda CR-V (Philippine market) is a turbocharged gasoline engine. The 1.5 V Turbo CVT and 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD variants are fitted with the 1.5-liter Direct Injection DOHC VTEC engine featuring a new high-efficiency, high-response turbocharger, and enhanced exhaust system. The result of these upgrades is 187 hp and 240 N-m of torque power outputs. Fuel efficiency-wise, 16.4 km/l in extra-urban driving conditions was achieved based on the United Nations Regulation 101 uniform provisions concerning the fuel consumption of vehicles with positive-ignition and compression-ignition engines and electric power trains.
The CR-V 1.5 V Turbo and 1.5 VX Turbo AWD variants feature a newly designed front grille in Piano Black (VX Turbo AWD) and Honeycomb with Chrome (V Turbo). There are also LED headlights/daytime running lights, sequential front turn signals, front fog lamps, and taillights. Also available is a Power Tailgate with Walk Away Close, a shark fin antenna, dual stainless-steel exhaust finishers (1.5 VX CVT Turbo AWD), retractable side mirrors with turn signals, and 18-inch silver alloy wheels. The cargo space available is up to 840 liters.
Honda CONNECT
Also new to the CR-V is the Honda CONNECT, which uses smart telematics technology to connect users and their cars seamlessly via a smartphone application. The Honda CONNECT enables vehicle communication, status checks, and even alert notifications via a smartphone.
Automatic Collision Detection automatically detects collisions and calls for help to ensure timely assistance whenever required. Security Alarm Detection sends an alert when the alarm is triggered, while Speed Alert allows the owner to maintain a safe speed and receives notifications if the limit is exceeded.
Other features are Find My Car, Geofencing Alert, and Emergency Call. Find My Car assists owners in locating their vehicles by sending a pin location to their mobile device. Geofencing Alert, meantime, notifies the owner of being beyond a set area limit, while Emergency Calls makes it easier to access emergency contacts through the app.
Honda SENSING
All variants have the latest Honda SENSING driver-assistive technology, with a new front sensor camera and radar system. The new camera has a wider field of view than before, from 50 degrees to 90 degrees. Meanwhile, the radar mounted behind the Honda logo on the grille now has a field of view of 120 degrees, up by 70 degrees from the previous generation. Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are now better detected.
Honda SENSING functions include Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow (ACC with LCF), Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN), and Auto High Beam (AHB).
For the first time, the Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), exclusively for the RS e:HEV CVT variant, is an intelligent LED headlight that helps enhance visibility and adjust the height of the light beam to avoid dazzling the car in front and pedestrians.
Pricing and new color
A new Canyon River Blue Metallic color is available, while the Platinum White Peal is still available for a P20,000 premium. The All-New CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT variant retails at P2.590 million, the 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD at P2.280 million, and the 1.5 V Turbo CVT at P2.1 million. The 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT variant, available in October, also comes with an eight-year or 200,000-kilometer battery warranty (whichever comes first).
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino