Honda CR-V (2006): first official pictures

By Angus Fitton

First Official Pictures

01 September 2006 08:19

The lowdown

This is the all-new, bigger, faster and safer Honda CR-V. Due to hit our roads in January 2007, it’s aimed squarely at Land Rover’s new Freelander. Fresh new styling clothes an all-new platform, firmer suspension and a new adaptive four-wheel drive system. In response to critics of the previous model's on-road handling, Honda has lowered the centre of gravity by 35mm and beefed up the suspension to cope. A new four-cylinder petrol engine borrowed from the Civic joins the existing 2.2-litre diesel unit. This being a Honda the new CR-V is crammed with the very latest active safety systems unveiled in the range-topping Legend. Prices are set to be slightly higher than the existing CR-V. Expect prices to start at £18,750 for the petrol and £19,500 for the 2.2-litre diesel.

The styling is the most conventional part of the new car. The CR-V shies away from the sharp-edged styling of the new Civic. Instead the look is more evolution than revolution. Up front the nose is dominated by a new split grille and large headlight units housing adaptive Xenon lenses. Honda's Active Front Lighting System allows the headlights to swivel as the steering wheel is turned, illuminating the road ahead. That distinctive new snout in down to Honda’s advances in pedestrian safety. The new CR-V will, Honda insiders claim, be awarded three-stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests for pedestrian safety making it one of the gentlest SUVs on the road. That ugly spare wheel fitted to the back of the old car is relocated to the underside of the boot floor, allowing room for the new split tailgate and a larger boot. The latest CR-V is 30mm wider than the outgoing model, lending it a more substantial stance and better stability on the road. Honda offers a choice of 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels.

By Angus Fitton