Honda CR-V 2013 Review

For the first time, the Honda CR-V will be offered with a choice of both two- and four-wheel drive, while improvements to the engine range have achieved a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Sales of the new CR-V will begin in Europe in November 2012 and it will be built at Honda’s production facility in Swindon, United Kingdom.

 Honda CR-V 2013 Review

Compared to the previous generation CR-V, the new model takes on a more aggressive and aerodynamic stance with deeper sculpting of the bodylines and a bolder nose section. The front bumper’s smooth, flowing lines are joined by a horizontal three-bar grille and deep-set headlights. The lower front bumper is designed to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle. The CR-V’s signature vertical rear brake lights, which debuted on the original model, remain but introduce a more three-dimensional style. The CR-V’s large wheels and bold wheelarches further emphasise its dynamic presence and capability.

Under the bonnet of the Honda CR-V, customers will find either a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine or a 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. Both are a development of the engines found in the third generation CR-V but both have been comprehensively redesigned with a focus on reducing CO2 emissions. “We have placed a key emphasis on applying new technologies to reduce the friction in the engines and improve their efficiency,” explains Nakagawa. Idle-stop technology has also been introduced on all models fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Improvements in fuel economy and reduction of CO2 emissions in the new Honda CR-V have been achieved without compromising driving pleasure. The power and torque outputs of the i-DTEC engine remain at 150PS and 350Nm respectively, but the CO2 emissions fall from 171g/km to 149g/km (12%) for the manual version, and from 195g/km to 174g/km for models equipped with the five-speed automatic transmission.

The power output of the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine has risen from 150PS to 155PS, while the torque has increased by 2Nm to 192Nm. Despite this increase in performance, CO2 emissions have fallen from 192g/km to 173g/km for the manual version, and from 195g/km to 175g/km for the automatic.

Customers opting for the two-wheel drive CR-V will see a further reduction in exhaust emissions to 168g/km. The introduction of a front-wheel drive Honda CR-V responds to changing market conditions. Across Europe, two-wheel drive models now account for 51% of the petrol-engined compact-SUV market according to a survey conducted in 2011.