Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Honda’s Trendy CV-R Gets Minor Updates

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.

Updated Honda Amaze Now Available In South Africa

Honda has upped the ante with a number of changes and upgrades that will see the Amaze find further favour with local buyers. 

The updated Amaze appeals to buyers of all ages who appreciate Honda’s reputation for reliability, combined with a value-added purchase price, great fuel efficiency and low total cost of ownership.

Designed as a sedan from the ground up, the updated Amaze remains unmistakably Honda, but in a compact package that is stylish, well specced, comfortable and now better suited to the needs of a discerning market.

As before, Honda’s renowned i-VTEC engine technology ensures that the Amaze has the performance to match its looks, while delivering exceptional fuel efficiency. 

With two equipment levels – Trend and Comfort – on offer, Amaze buyers have a choice of features. High levels of standard equipment and uncompromising safety remain a priority on all models though.

DRIVETRAIN AND DYNAMICS

The new Amaze is powered by a proven four-cylinder engine. The 1 199 cc unit employs Honda’s i-VTEC intelligent valve timing management system, ensuring optimum performance and fuel efficiency.

Maximum power output of 66 kW is reached at 6 000 r/min, while the torque peak is 110 Nm at 4 800 r/min. The baseline Amaze Trend model is available with a five-speed manual gearbox only, while buyers of the Comfort model can also opt for a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Amaze models with manual transmission achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5,6 litres/100 km, and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 12,3 seconds.

The Amaze CVT versions are slightly thirstier at 5,7 litres/100 km and require 13,5 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h.  

All derivatives have a rated top speed of 150 km/h. 

SAFETY

All Honda Amaze models are fitted with dual front airbags, inertia reel seatbelts front and rear, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. On the active safety front, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are standard.

COLOUR PALETTE 

The range of exterior colours for the updated Amaze include Platinum White, Lunar Silver, Radiant Red and Meteoroid Grey, the latter being a new metallic colour.

CONCLUSION

In addition to competitive pricing, the exceptional efficiency of the new Amaze contributes to economical running costs – something which is becoming an increasingly important aspect of vehicle ownership. Additional peace of mind is provided by a two-year/30 000 km service plan.

PRICING, WARRANTY AND SERVICE PLAN

The new Honda Amaze recommended retail pricing is as follows:

Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend: R209 100

Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort: R234 700

Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort CVT: R252 800

The range is supported by a full five-year/200 000 km warranty, as well as a two-year/30 000 km service plan, and a three-year AA Roadside Assistance package. Scheduled services are at 15 000 km intervals.

NEW ON THE TARMAC: Farewell Honda Jazz. Hello Honda FIT

Honda has unveiled the much-anticipated FIT model range, which replaces the well-known Jazz nameplate in South Africa, and Vuyi Mpofu attended the launch in Hermanus, Western Cape.  

As beloved as the Jazz has been, it faced intense challenges from competitors whose increasing offering included modern design, up-to-date technology, copious amounts of interior space, and fuel efficiency.  The Honda Jazz also carried the rather unfortunate stigma of being a “granny-mobile”, making it not-so-desirable to the younger and trendy market. 

Determined to remain in the game and do its best to disrupt the compact hatchback segment, the Honda FIT offers South African customers – new and existing – a mix of frugality, practicality, and best of all, variety. 

The first important highlight about the Honda FIT is that models aimed for Mzansi are built in Japan and not in India.

– Vuyi Mpofu, MD, Driving in heels sa

Landing at Cape Town International airport on a cold, windy, and rainy day my enthusiasm for testing the little city runner faded a little. After all, who wants to drive in such weather?

I tried to remember the safety features in the Honda Jazz and trusted those and more would save the day.

The first important highlight about the Honda FIT is that models aimed for Mzansi are built in Japan and not in India.  If you’ve ever sat in a vehicle assembled in India, you’ll know why this is very, very good news and if you haven’t, let’s just say vehicles built in India give the term “new car smell’ an unpleasantly different and new meaning; to say nothing about question marks surrounding build quality.

CVT in itself works well, but, whenever you try to squeeze more power out of it, the system responds pretty much in the same way I imagine a cat would if you tried to bathe it.

– VUYI MPOFU, MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SA

Having driven the Honda FIT Hybrid on the morning of the launch, I climbed into the FIT Executive (range-topping petrol model) after a hearty lunch. The Hybrid model had set the bar rather high and I worried that the variant Executive might not live up to the task. 

The petrol derivatives employ continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and therein lies the reason for my sadness and deep concern.  CVT in itself works well, but, whenever you try to squeeze more power out of it, the system responds pretty much in the same way I imagine a cat would if you tried to bathe it – it emits a high-pitched scream and doesn’t let up until you ease up on the accelerator and allow the car to return to a pace which it is comfortable at.  

Needless to say, this is not ideal because when I want to go, I need a car that complies – not one that protests and ultimately screeches me into defeat.

That would probably be the ‘worst’ feature about the petrol-powered Honda Fit models and accepting this begrudgingly, I set about the task of the day – driving the Honda FIT Executive model.

My best feature is the front seat heaters (available in the Executive and Hybrid models only) which came in handy during the cold, wet drive.

– VUYI MPOFU, MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SA
What It Looks Like Inside and Out

The Honda Fit range has a futuristic and contemporary design.  Styling enhancements include a sleek front face, smooth contours, a short nose, and a refined rear roof spoiler.  Premium-look rear combination lamps and light cluster design, all of which blend to complement the FIT’s clean, minimalistic exterior aesthetics.  

Furthermore, the A-pillar thickness is now just 55mm and along with the hidden windscreen wipers, this provides the driver and front-seat passenger with an unobstructed, almost panoramic field of vision. 

The clean, uncluttered design of the Honda FIT continues on the inside and Honda has included enough technological elements to bring the little city runner on par with its competitors.

The user-focused dashboard incorporates a slim instrument panel that sweeps horizontally across the cabin, enhancing the sense of cabin spaciousness. The central HMI 9-inch touchscreen (standard on Elegance and Executive grades) and 7-inch full TFT instrument cluster which is standard across the range, are simple and easy to read.

My best feature is the front seat heaters (available in the Executive and Hybrid models only) which came in handy during the cold, wet drive.  A review-view camera is fitted to all the models except for the entry-level Comfort

My concerns about driving on wet roads were decapitated once I began driving the Executive model.

VUYI MPOFU, MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SA
What’s Under It’s Pretty Little Bonnet?

There are three petrol derivatives in the Honda FIT line-up as well as a Hybrid model.  These are the entry-level Comfort, mid-level Elegance, and range-topping Executive,  All are fitted with a 1.5L DOHC petrol engine, (the same unit found in the latest Honda Ballade) that churns 90kW of power and 146Nm of torque. 

Interestingly, a manual transmission is not on offer.

All The Safety You Need

My concerns about driving on wet roads were decapitated once I began driving the Executive model because the Honda FIT range comes standard with an impressive list of safety features which include (but are not limited to), Vehicle Stability Assist, Brake Assist System, Hill Start Assist and Automatic Brake Hold. 

Passive safety comes in the form of six airbags, comprising front, side, and curtain SRS airbags.

Model Specifications & Colour Line-Up

The colour line-up for the new FIT range includes a host of new colours including Opal White (Pearl), Crystal Red (Metallic), Meteoroid Grey (Metallic), Midnight Blue (Metallic), and Rose Gold (Metallic), in addition to existing line-up colours which include Platinum White (Pearl) and Lunar silver (Metallic).

I look forward to receiving the Honda FIT on a longer test period at which time my thoughts about the city car will be more detailed.  From the launch experience, however, I believe the Honda FIT offers the South African market a fresh design, good value for money, up-to-date technology, copious amounts of interior space and legroom, and fuel efficiency.  The Honda FIT seems to be a city car for everyday use, ready to meet the needs of modern consumers.

Warranty And Service Plan

For additional peace of mind, the Honda FIT range comes standard with Honda’s five-year/200 000 warranty, as well as a four-year/60 000km Service Plan with 15 000km service intervals. Customers also have the reassurance of three-year AA Roadside Assistance. The FIT Hybrid model comes standard with an extended eight-year/200 000km warranty specifically covering the battery and related components of the Hybrid system.

Pricing:

1.5 Comfort CVT: R319,900

1.5 Elegance CVT: R359,900

1.5 Executive CVT: R389,900

1.5 e-CVT Hybrid: R469,900 (only available from October 2021)

Pricing includes a five-year/200,000km warranty and a four-year/60,000km service plan.