2012 Honda CR-V Concept previews new CR-V

Honda CR-V Concept previews the next generation CR-V

Update: Honda has been in touch to say that  the new, fourth-generation CR-V will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of 2011, and in Europe in Autumn 2012.

The Honda CR-V is a bit of an odd beast, probably because it looks for all the world like the forerunner to all the butch lifestyle SUVs that now proliferate our car landscape, and yet it seems to have no pretensions to be one.

The CR-V doesn’t pretend to be a capable off-roader or the perfect accessory for a trendy urban lifestyle. Instead, it’s set out to be the SUV of choice for the over 60s who are looking for nothing more than an ultra reliable, high-riding estate. And that’s what the CR-V has given them.

In many ways it’s refreshing that Honda build an SUV without pretensions, although an SUV that doesn’t do off-road is, I suppose, an oxymoron. But it matters not; Honda knows its CR-V customers and is intent on delivering more of the same when the 2012 CR-V arrives later this year.

The photo at the top is the Honda CR-V Concept which we expect to show up at a Motor Show near you sometime soon – probably at Frankfurt in September – and, without some show car fripperies such as the big wheels and dark glass lights, is pretty much what the 2012 Honda CR-V will be when it goes on sale in the New Year.

Cosmetically the CR-V seems to have moved on quite a bit from the current model, although that’s ‘quite a bit’ by Honda’s conservative standards. It’s still recognisable as a CR-V and there’s nothing in its styling to frighten the horses (or the pensioners).

Under the bonnet we’re not expecting much to change from the 2.0 i-VTEC petrol and 2.2 i-DTEC Diesel with their choice of manual or auto ‘boxes, although it’s fair to think Honda will do the usual trick of delivering a bit more power with a bit better economy and a bit lower emissions.

All sounds a bit vague, but we’ll report back as soon as Honda give us anything more specific.

By Cars UK