/ 28 November 2006

Honda follows trends with new CR-V

Honda has followed a 4×4 trend in making the new CR-V more of a family wagon than a true off-roader. The third-generation newcomer has a 25mm lower centre of gravity, a 30mm wider rear track, car-like styling and a more luxurious interior. All of this makes sense when you consider that very few of these vehicles are ever going to be called upon to do much serious off-roading.

There are some changes that should enhance off-road capability, however: the new wagon has bigger wheels, improved body rigidity and increased suspension travel, as well as an improved four-wheel-drive system.

The new CR-V is about 105mm shorter (4 530mm) than the previous model, thanks to the relocation of the spare wheel from the tailgate to below the load compartment’s door. At 1 820mm it is also 35mm wider, while height has been reduced from 1 840mm to 1 810mm, and wheelbase shortened by 10mm to 2 620mm.

Luggage space is now larger at 556 litres (VDA) with the rear seats in place, rising to 955 litres (VDA) with the seats folded. The door openings are wider and their sills lower, making ingress and egress more car-like.

As befits an all-new body shell, the CR-V is fitted with a brand-new engine, in this case a two-litre, single-overhead-cam petrol unit that uses Honda’s VTEC technology along with friction-reducing components.

This motor, however, introduces a new element to the mix: delayed closure of the intake valves combined with a wide-open throttle valve to improve efficiency during low-load driving conditions.

Output is similar to that of the previous petrol engine, with 110 kw on tap at a slightly lower 6 200 rpm, and 192 Nm of torque being available from 4 200 rpm. The transmissions too are brand new, with buyers being able to choose between a crisp, six-speed manual gearbox and a five-speed auto unit.

Honda claims that the more efficient engine and gearboxes squeeze an extra kilometre out of each litre of fuel burnt, with the manual using 8,1 litres and the auto 8,2 litres per 100km travelled. Performance too, according to the factory, is livelier, with the manual CR-V getting to 100kph within 10,2 seconds, a full 0,6 seconds faster than its predecessor. The auto’s time for the 0-100kph dash has also come down, from 13,1 to 12,2 seconds.

Honda’s upgraded the Real-Time 4WD system of the CR-V, which now combines a quiet, fuel-efficient, dual-pump system with a one-way cam unit to enhance significantly sensing of front-wheel slippage — all in a lightweight, compact design.

The new system promptly transfers torque — 20% more compared with the existing unit — to the rear wheels, and improves stability during start-up and cornering on slippery surfaces. It also helps reduce engine and road noise for an extremely quiet cabin.

The Honda CR-V is, as you’d expect, well equipped with luxury and safety features. From the base-model 2.0 RVI manual up, all come with ABS with EBD, dual-stage front airbags, five ISOFIX fittings on the rear seats, on-board computer display for fuel consumption and other data, numerous stowage compartments, air conditioning, electric windows, a sound system and all the other little perks we’ve come to expect.

The two luxury RSVI models — auto and manual — each add an eight-way, electronically adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery and a glass sunroof to the mix.

There are four models in the CR-V range, offering manual and auto transmissions, in RVI and RSVI levels of trim. The RVI manual retails at R268 900, and the RSVI at R299 500. An auto transmission adds R10 000 to the price of each.