By H&H Admin

The Honda CR-V has an impressive track record in South Africa, having pioneered the compact SUV sector of the local market when it was first introduced here more than 20 years ago. 

To ensure that it retains all of its lustre and to enhance its already attractively rugged appeal, designers of Honda’s CV-R have endowed it with a subtly changed exterior and interior tweaks, aimed to ensure that the mid-size SUV continues to draw attention. 

A realignment of the range sees changes to the drivetrain and specifications of the 1.5T Executive. Most notably, this model now offers front-wheel drive.

The range still consists of four models offering two different engine options and varying specification levels. 

To ensure that it retains all of its lustre and to enhance its already attractively rugged appeal, creators of the CR-V have endowed it with subtle exterior enhancements. 

EXTERIOR

The front-end of the CR-V is still dominated by a broad-barred grille which is framed by curved, slimline headlights with integrated daytime running lights. Dual air intakes with a dark meshed finish split the colour-coded bumper, while a metallic scuff plate underlines the CR-V’s undeniable SUV identity.

At the rear, the inverted LED taillight clusters are linked by a chromed garnish strip and positioned high up on a tail gate that extends all the way down to bumper level. Adding a sporty touch to the 1.5T models are twin exhaust tailpipes, housed within the rear scuff plate.

Contrasting protective cladding on the lower sections of the body panels, together with pronounced wheel arch extensions, enhance the CR-V’s rugged looks, as do new, larger 19-inch alloy wheels on the top-of-the-range 1.5T Exclusive model. 

INTERIOR

On the inside, the Honda CR-V’s interior remains largely unchanged assuring families of continued premium finishes and unparalleled space, making the cabin an altogether pleasant place to be in. 

As with the previous model, one of the key interior highlights is the full-colour TFT driver information interface, which is located in a dedicated binnacle directly ahead of the driver. The display is dominated by a graph-type rev counter, accompanied by a digital speedometer.

Depending on the model, a centrally located 5-inch or 7-inch display provides user-friendly access to the CR-V’s infotainment system. The centre stack also houses the controls for the dual-zone climate control system.

DRIVETRAIN

There are two drivetrain options for the upgraded CR-V. 

The first is Honda’s familiar 2,0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine. This normally aspirated unit features 113 kW of power and peak torque of 189 Nm. 

The 1 997 cc engine is linked to Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-Shift control logic and provides all the convenience of an automatic gearbox.  Drive is to the front wheels.

The second engine option is a 1 498 cc turbo powerplant which 140 kW of power and 240 Nm of torque.  It too is mated to a CVT gearbox. 

MODEL LINE-UP AND FEATURES

As was the case with the previous range, the upgraded Honda CR-V line-up consists of four models, with a choice of two engines and four specification levels. All derivatives feature Honda’s latest-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). 

Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort CVT

The 2.0 Comfort is the base model of the range and offers an extensive list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. Powered by a proven 2,0-litre petrol engine with a CVT gearbox, the 2.0 Comfort has a top speed of 192 km/h, while fuel consumption is claimed to be 7,3 litres.100km on a combined cycle.

Distinguishing features include:

• Aluminium-look front and rear scuff plates
• Brushed aluminium roof rails
• 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with 235/65 R17 tyres
• Cloth upholstery and metallic accents
• 5-inch full-colour display 
• Four-speaker audio system, as well as Bluetooth connectivity 
• Dual-zone climate control 
• Rear park distance sensors 
• Electrically operated exterior mirrors
• Dual front and side SRS airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Three-point inertia reel seatbelts all round
• Isofix child seat anchor points
• ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Agile Handling Assist (AHA
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• Hill Start Assist (HAS) systems

Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance CVT

The CR-V 2.0 Elegance is technically identical to the more affordable Comfort model in terms of drivetrain and exterior execution. However, the Elegance offers an enhanced package of interior features. 

Distinguishing features include:

• Leather upholstery 
• Heated front seats
• 7-inch Display Audio interface 
• Eight-speaker audio system as well as Bluetooth connectivity 
• Eight-way electric adjustment (front seats)
• Memory function for the driver’s seat
• Front and read Park Distance Control 
• Downwards tilting left exterior mirror (for better visibility when reversing) 
• Leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel 
• Gear shift paddles for manual CVT operation
• Auto-sensing windscreen wipers

Honda CR-V 1.5T Executive CVT

The 1.5T Executive is powered by Honda’s force-induced, 1,5-litre petrol engine, delivering 140 kW of power and 240 Nm of torque paired to a CVT gearbox as standard.

The exterior design of the 1.5T Executive shares all the key features of the 2,0-litre models, but gains 18-inch alloy wheels, shod with 235/60 R18 tyres. 

Distinguishing features include:

• Auto-levelling full LED headlights 
• Inverted LED daytime running lights
• Leather upholstery
• Digital Driver Information Interface 
• 7-inch Display Audio infotainment system as the 2.0 Elegance
• Start/stop button
• Remote central locking system 
• Keyless smart entry

Honda CR-V 1.5T Exclusive CVT

The flagship of the new Honda CR-V range is the 1.5T Exclusive. Mechanically, it is identical to the Executive model, combining the same 1,5-litre turbo engine with a CVT gearbox. However, setting it apart from its lesser siblings are new 19-inch alloy wheels and three-element LED front fog lamps.

Distinguishing features include:

• Auto High Beam headlights
• Leather upholstery 
• TFT-based Digital Driver Information Interface
• Panoramic sunroof 
• Integrated satellite navigation system
• Electrically operated tailgate with programmable opening height
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) 
• LanewatchTM

Honda Sensing, which comprises of:

• Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed following (LSF) 
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS)

COLOURS

The colour line-up for the upgraded CR-V includes Platinum White, Lunar Silver, Modern Steel, Crystal Black and Brilliant Sporty Blue. A new addition is Coffee Cherry Red.

PRICING, WARRANTY AND SERVICE PLAN

Recommended retail pricing is as follows:

2.0L FWD Comfort CVT R556 100

2.0L FWD Elegance CVT R617 900

1.5T FWD Executive CVT R699 900

2.0L FWD Exclusive CVT R796 300 

The range is backed by a comprehensive five-year/200 000 km warranty, as well as a five-year/90 000 km service plan. Also included is a three-year AA Road Assist package. 

Service intervals are set at 15 000 km for the 2.0-litre models, and 10 000 km for the 1.5-litre turbo variants.