First Sight: Honda CR-V

Honda has released details of the all-new CR-V, which will be launched at the Paris Motor Show later this month. It aims to offer a driving experience as good as a D-sector saloon car, with improved equipment levels and Honda's latest advanced safety technology. The previous two generations of CR-V were based on Civic platforms and the latest all-new model continues that concept, being based on the new Civic architecture launched last year. A lower centre of gravity (reduced by 35mm), wider stance (increased by 30mm) and a number of changes to steering and suspension geometry have all helped to enhance the CR-V's handling characteristics.

Specification

Two engines will be available from launch, a 2.0-litre petrol or a 2.2 diesel engine. The all-new 2.0L petrol engine is based on the 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC from the Civic range and features latest VTEC and friction reduction technologies, plus the delayed closure of the intake valves combined with a wide open throttle valve during low-load driving conditions. Maximum power is 150 PS at 6,200 rpm (lower in the rev range than the current 2.0), while torque is 190Nm (140lb.ft) at 4,200 rpm.

Petrol engine models are also equipped with brand new transmissions: all manual gearboxes are 6-speed, while a 5-speed automatic is also available. The efficiency of the engine, together with improved aerodynamics and new gearboxes, have boosted fuel economy figures. Performance is also enhanced, with the 0 to 62mph time dropping from 10.8 to 10.2 seconds (manual) and from 13.1 to 12.2 seconds (automatic). Honda's celebrated 140PS 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel continues; but as aerodynamic efficiency is improved by 12 per cent, fuel economy is further improved.

While the on-road capabilities of the CR-V are much-improved, its off-road skills have been tweaked as well, with a revised Real Time 4WD system that detects front wheel slip and promptly sends torque rearwards. The new dual-pump system can transfer 20 per cent more torque compared to the existing unit. This 4WD set-up not only allows light off-road driving, but also helps maintain stability on the road - in snow or other slippery conditions, for example.

Two active safety systems are available on the new CR-V, which are claimed to be unique to the SUV segment. The first, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a radar-controlled cruise control function which maintains a set distance to the vehicle in front, while Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) predicts collisions and warns the driver, before applying strong braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation becomes critical. Active Front Lighting (AFS) - headlights that turn to illuminate the road in the direction the vehicle is heading - also make their way onto the CR-V for the first time, as does Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), which together with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ensures that towing safety is continuously monitored and corrected. Towing capacity on the diesel-engined CR-V is now increased from 1500kg to a very competitive 2000kg.

Top versions of the CR-V will feature a panoramic glass roof - similar to that found on the Civic - which provides an even lighter cabin. Depending on grade, more premium equipment is available, including a driver's 8-way adjustable power seat, leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera.

Design

The design of the new CR-V has changed to a more sophisticated car-like profile that's much more �styled' than previous CR-Vs, especially compared to the previous, slab-sided model from 2001 that was notably bland (yet actually sold very well). The bodyside has a deep swage line, with softly sculpted lower body sides and prominent wheelarches. While the car has a more dynamic stance - emphasised by the car's wide track and 17- or 18-inch wheels - the overall theme reminds one somewhat of the outgoing BMW X5.

The front is the most striking part of the design, with a distinctive double grille as the focal point, flanked by projector-style headlights and a large bumper. The rear is more conventional, still with characteristic vertical taillamps but now with a notably raked rear screen, thus emphasising the sporty aspect of the new CR-V. The spare tyre is repositioned under the rear floor (as on the new Freelander 2) and the trunk is extended rearwards to make use of this extra space, now accessed by a conventional tailgate rather than a side-opening door.

While the coupe-like tapering DLO is the biggest break from the old CR-V formula, it's not such a unique graphic, having been seen before on the Honda Stream a few years ago and also the original Renault Scenic. Other SUVs have toyed with this coupe-like cabin profile too, such as the Infiniti FX, Lexus RX300 or Audi Q7 but they're all a class or two above the CR-V so it's interesting to see this theme drift down to a compact SUV model for the first time.

Inside the cabin, accommodation remains generous and the dimensions are similar to the previous CR-V. Design cues from the Accord and Civic models include blue illuminated instruments, a 3-spoke steering wheel, metallic inserts on the dash and doors that contrast with soft textured black trim. Front seats are larger and more comfortable and the steering column is now adjustable for reach as well as rake. Relocation of the gear lever to the base of the centre console brings it closer to the steering wheel and creates more floor space. Added flexibility is provided by a novel 'Double Deck' luggage area, created by a shelf that sits at a height of 330mm above the load floor. It means luggage can be subdivided, with that on the lower level being more easily accessible.

Conclusion

The outgoing model sold well in all markets, set new standards in the compact SUV sector and was regarded as the benchmark vehicle for its impressive road manners and versatility. The latest CR-V aims to be even better on the road, has a more sophisticated interior and is even more practical, especially for towing. The CR-V has always been one of the most 'car-like' SUVs on the market, with no pretence at great offroad capability and, with the market becoming increasingly crowded, Honda has repositioned the new car in a more superior, Hi-Tech direction that gives it a stronger personality and moves the compact SUV sector on a step further.

By Nick Hull