Official Launch : Euro Honda CR-V

Honda has officially launched the new 4th Gen CR-V for Europe. Powerplants options are a 2.0 i-VTEC (R20A), and two diesel engines - the existing 2.2l i-DTEC and a new 1.6l i-DTEC in a new FWD variant. The rear seats also fold down to create a flat floor now. The official Honda of Europe press release follows.

The new cr-v

Efficient, functional and confident

The new fourth generation CR-V makes its European debut at the Paris Motor Show 2012. Building on its success of its predecessors, the new CR-V has improved quality, practicality and refinement. For the first time in Europe, the compact SUV will be offered with a choice of both two- and four-wheel drive, while improvements to both the petrol and diesel engines have resulted in a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. Comprehensively redesigned for the European market, the new CR-V will be built at Honda’s production facility in Swindon, UK from early September, 2012.

The newcomer is instantly recognisable as a member of the CR-V family but asserts its own identity. The prominent three-bar grille and deep-set headlights continue the introduction of Honda’s new “Y” shaped ‘face’, while the vertically stacked taillights have been a CR-V signature since the first generation (1995-2001). Stylish additions to the European model include a revised front bumper, front LED daytime running lights and rear LED lights with a three-dimensional design.

Inside, the fascia features a number of horizontal layers that emphasise the feeling of space. The major controls are grouped according to their function with a ‘driver interface zone’ behind the steering wheel and an ‘information interface zone’ in the centre of the cabin.

The height of the car has been reduced by 30 mm compared with the current model, without reducing the interior space for the occupants. This represents the successful application of Honda’s man-maximum, machine-minimum philosophy. The introduction of easy fold-down rear seats has also made it possible to transform the CR-V from a five-seater to a versatile load-lugger at the pull of a handle.

Under the bonnet of the CR-V, customers will find either a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine or a 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel. Both are developments of the engines found in the third generation CR-V but both have been comprehensively redesigned with a focus on reducing CO₂ emissions. For example, the diesel model with a manual gearbox, now emits just 149 g/km of CO₂. This represents a 12% reduction compared with the previous generation of CR-V, despite maintaining the same power output of 150 PS.

The CR-V will also be offered with Honda’s new 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine as a two-wheel drive model from September 2013.The first drivetrain from Honda's new Earth Dreams Technology engine series to be introduced in Europe, it will be built at Honda's manufacturing facility in the UK. The application of new high-strength material in the cylinder head has enabled Honda to deliver the world's lightest aluminium open deck 1.6-litre diesel engine. These lightweight characteristics, along with the compact, high-efficiency turbocharger, will reduce response times and provide an impressive blend of performance and economy.

The new CR-V has been tested extensively in Europe and the McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension has been tuned for enhanced ride comfort and high speed stability. Motion Adaptive electric power steering (MA-EPS) has also been introduced, combining easy manoeuvrability with increased feedback and response at higher speeds. Petrol-engined models can be supplied with front wheel drive but most CR-Vs sold will continue to use Honda’s Real Time AWD system, which is now electronically activated for improved efficiency.

The new CR-V also features a comprehensive range of safety equipment designed to help the driver avoid or mitigate an accident, or to protect the occupants should a crash become unavoidable. Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) continue to be a part of CR-V’s safety equipment, and now for the first time on the CR-V they are complemented by Honda’s Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). In addition the new CR-V features Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, a well-established part of Honda’s safety arsenal and is designed to absorb impact energy in the event of a collision and divert it away from the passenger compartment. The CR-V also comes with front, side and curtain airbags.

Efficient, functional and confident, the fourth generation CR-V builds on the success of its predecessors, of which over five million have been sold. “If you want to improve a vehicle that is already well balanced and respected, the only solution is to enhance that vehicle in every area while making it more efficient than ever before,” says Large Project Leader Ryouji Nakagawa. “That is what we have done with the new CR-V.”

To find out more information about the new CR-V including specifications, please go to www.honda-crv.eu