Honda has unveiled the sixth generation of its best-selling SUV, the CR-V, which is set to raise the bar for design, practicality, and everyday usability when it arrives in Europe later this year.
Revealed at the brand’s European Media Event in Offenbach, Germany, the latest CR-V has been refined in every way to create the perfect all-round SUV. It combines the advanced and sporty values that the Honda brand is known for, with the latest driver aids and passive safety to realise outstanding reliability, dynamics, and comfort. A focus on high-quality colours, materials and fabrics throughout the cabin has elevated the CR-V more toward the premium segment.
The CR-V will be offered with a choice of either a full hybrid (e:HEV) or, for the first time in the European market, a plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) powertrain. Both variants feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection Atkinson-cycle petrol engine which has been revised to enhance efficiency, refinement, and dynamic performance across the range.
e:PHEV
The e:PHEV utilises the same lightweight and high-output on-board electric motors as its e:HEV stablemate to provide impressive acceleration, quick charge times and a highly competitive all-electric only range.
Able to travel 82 km in electric mode, the plug-in CR-V can complete the majority of daily trips on electric drive alone. When the battery temperature is at 25 degrees, a 100% state of charge can be achieved from empty in just 2.5 hours.
e:HEV
The full hybrid CR-V will feature the most advanced iteration of the brand’s award-winning e:HEV powertrain, first seen in the award-winning Civic hatchback. A power-dense lithium-ion battery and two compact, lightweight electric motors combine with the petrol engine to shift seamlessly between EV, Hybrid and Engine Drive, making it ideally suited to all driving scenarios.
The all-new model retains its familiar silhouette, but with a design evolution that increases its road presence. This starts with more purposeful styling at the front, with e:HEV and e:PHEV variants each distinguished by their own exclusive grille design. Thin headlights combine with new signature daytime running lights to generate a strong visual presence, while at the rear, the vertical brake light and turn signal combination is a smart evolution of the instantly recognisable CR-V taillight design.
Visibility was another key focus during design and development. The front corner points of the CR-V are low, thanks to a wide, uncluttered bonnet, allowing drivers to understand the overall shape of the car. In combination with the large glasshouse, the CR-V offers outstanding outward visibility for all occupants reducing stress, increasing the sense of openness and delivering a sense of safety and reassurance to all occupants.
The evolutionary design also masks an increase in every dimension for the CR-V. Wider, longer, and taller than the outgoing model the all-new CR-V offers more interior space for passengers, a 40mm longer wheelbase allows for 16mm more rear legroom, and 118% more luggage capacity. Eight levels of adjustment for the rear seat recline, with 10.5° more angle, also allows passengers to relax in comfort.
An updated suite of Honda SENSING features and new structural components contribute to class-leading active and passive safety. The all-new CR-V is the first to include Honda SENSING 360, the company’s all-new omnidirectional safety and driver assist system, which removes blind spots around the vehicle and further contributes to collision avoidance by reducing the burden on the driver.
“The all-new CR-V builds upon everything the iconic model stands for – progressive design, a premium cabin, class-leading levels of safety, practicality and comfort, and efficient and responsive performance,” says Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President at Honda Motor Europe Ltd. “This latest iteration is the ultimate SUV package, offering a unique, dynamic and premium product that perfectly suits the current demands of the European market.”
