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THE ALL NEW CR-V
Honda's all-new, third generation CR-V delivers a driving
experience as good as a D-sector saloon, improved equipment
levels and Honda's latest advanced safety technology, yet
remains as practical as ever.
Its immensely popular predecessors, set new standards in
the SUV sector and became a benchmark vehicle for its impressive
road manners and versatility. With the market becoming increasingly
crowded, Honda has raised the bar further, and the latest
CR-V has even better handling and ride comfort, more car-like
styling, greater comfort and a more luxurious interior, reflecting
the growing demand for quality and premium products in the
compact SUV market. In short, the new range injects a dynamic
sense of style and refinement, successfully bridging the gap
between sport and utility.
Safety
The generous equipment levels are matched by cutting edge
technology including two systems that are unique in this market
segment: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the radar-controlled
cruise control function which maintains a set distance to
a vehicle in front by applying either brake or throttle; and
Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), which warns the
driver and applies light braking if the distance to the vehicle
in front decreases beyond an acceptable level, before applying
strong braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation
becomes critical. Both these systems are optional, depending
on grade.
Added security is provided by Honda's VSA (Vehicle Stability
Assist) on all models, the system designed to assist the driver
in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and
sudden manoeuvres by applying brake force to the right or
left hand wheels as necessary and managing the throttle. VSA
is designed to complement the Real Time 4WD system.
It is supplemented by Trailer Stability Assist which ensures,
by using a combination of reduced engine torque and selective
braking, that the vehicle is slowed to a safe and stable speed
if snaking should occur while towing.
Active Front Lighting, the system whereby the driver's view
of the road ahead is enhanced by high intensity discharge
(HID) low beam headlamps turning in the direction the vehicle
is heading, is also offered on the CR-V for the first time.
A full complement of passive safety measures includes dual
stage SRS front airbags, side airbags for front seat passengers,
full length curtain airbags, and front and rear seatbelt reminders,
all fitted as standard, with active front headrests on all
models except S grade.
Honda has also thoughtfully provided five ISOFIX fittings
on the rear seats. That means either two child seats can be
installed, one on each outer seat, or one on the central seat.
Also, since the rear seats slide, a parent can reach over
and tend to a young child sitting in the rear by sliding the
seat fully forward. And in another neat touch, Honda has provided
a 'conversation' mirror which allows easy communication with
rear seat passengers without twisting round, but equally enables
a parent to keep a watchful eye on an infant in the back.
It's accessed simply by opening up the sunglasses holder to
the half way point and is standard on ES and Executive models.
The previous CR-V set new standards for vehicle safety and
the new model builds on that reputation with the latest Honda
safety technology. In common with other recent models, it
features Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure
technology for excellent crash safety characteristics. A polygonal
frontal frame structure reduces the potential for vehicle
to vehicle misalignment and upper and lower energy absorbing
pathways optimise energy distribution.
Style
The sportier styling is characterised by a 'cab-forward'
look and a coupe-like tapering side window profile, reflecting
the enhanced vehicle dynamics. The frontal styling is also
much bolder with a prominent bonnet and a distinctive double
grille flanked by projector-style headlamps as the focal point.
Muscular lower proportions, the wide track and standard 17
inch wheels emphasise the CR-V's SUV credentials. At the rear,
the vertically opening tailgate's rounded glass and a sculptured
lower panel add further distinction. The spare wheel is located
beneath the load compartment floor.
The decision to opt for a vertically opening tailgate was
based on customer feedback which indicated a preference for
the easier access provided by such a design where vehicles
are tightly parked.
Clever hinge construction and geometry, together with lightweight
components ensure that little effort is required either to
bring the tailgate down to the (high) point where it closes
of its own accord, or to lift it to the (low) opening point.
The relocated spare wheel means that the new CR-V is around
105 mm shorter (4530 mm) than the previous model. At 1820
mm it is also 35 mm wider, while height is down by 30 mm (1810
mm including roof antenna). The wheelbase is reduced from
2630 to 2620 mm, and front and rear tracks at 1565 mm are
25 and 5 mm wider, respectively.
The load space is effectively 'extended' rearwards to take
up the space vacated by the former tailgate-mounted spare
wheel and luggage space is now larger at 556 litres (VDA)
with the rear seats in place, rising to 955 litres (VDA) with
the seats folded (up to the windowline).
Interior
The new cabin blends excellent ergonomics and clever storage
integration with sophisticated, modern and efficient architecture.
The new, premium design features metallic trim elements applied
to fascia and doors that contrast with soft textured black
trim. Front seats are larger and more comfortable and the
steering column is adjustable for reach as well as rake. Relocation
of both manual and automatic gear levers to the base of the
centre stack brings them closer to the steering wheel and
creates more floor space. They are complemented by a unique,
stubby handbrake located on the leading edge of the centre
console. Its compact design features a button release to one
side, with a clever wire linkage requiring only limited space
for its operation.
The instrument cluster comprises a rev counter on the left
and a speedometer on the right with white LED illumination
and blue backlighting for added stylishness. Located between
the two are the water temperature and fuel gauges with digital
segments that are progressively illuminated. Above these appear
a door closure icon and outside temperature, and finally a
range of items selectable by the information switch located
on the steering wheel - instantaneous fuel consumption, average
consumption, vehicle range, average speed, elapsed time, odometer,
or trip A/B. The automatic transmission display (where fitted)
is contained within the rev counter.
Executive grade models feature an even more comprehensive
multi-information display which also provides the status of
the Adaptive Cruise Control system when fitted.
The interior offers a spacious, airy environment with the
same 'command view' as the previous CR-V, with good visibility
for all occupants. Also, larger door openings, a rear door
that now opens to 80 degrees and lower sills make climbing
in and out even easier.
Convenient storage areas are easily accessible throughout
the interior and include an illuminated 6.9 litre glove box
and above it a useful lidded passenger tray with a capacity
of 3.1 litres. The driver's seat has a seatback pocket. Capacious
door bins front and rear are able to hold a 500 ml bottle.
The 6.5 litre storage box at the rear of the centre console
has sufficient capacity to hold up to 24 CD cases, and features
a sliding cover for quick and easy access. It contains an
auxiliary audio input jack, allowing operation of an MP3 player,
as well as a 12V accessory socket. Ahead of the storage box
on the right are two cupholders, and to the left a storage
tray and the heated seat switches where fitted.
Twin cup holders are also contained within the rear seat
centre armrest, revealed when it is folded down.
Brand new, fuel efficient 2.0-litre petrol engine
Power comes from a new 2.0-litre petrol engine and Honda's
celebrated 140 PS 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel which continues
further optimised.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine is an all-new unit in the same
family as the 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC of the Civic range. Like
that engine it uses the finest of Honda's VTEC and control
systems expertise together with comprehensive friction reduction
technology and introduces an extra element to the mix: delayed
closure of the intake valves combined with a wide open throttle
valve during low-load driving conditions to reduce pumping
losses and boost fuel economy.
Power and torque figures are broadly similar to the previous
petrol engine - 110 kW/150 PS at a slightly lower 6,200 rpm,
and 192 Nm at 4,200 rpm.
Greater engine efficiency, new gearboxes and the improved
vehicle aerodynamics mean fuel economy is boosted to 8.1 and
8.2 l/100 km for manual and automatic models, respectively,
compared with 9.0 and 9.3 l/100 km. Manual and automatic CO2
emissions fall to 192 and 195 g/km.
Performance is also improved and the 0 to 100 km/h sprint
drops from 10.8 to 10.2 seconds for the manual model and from
13.1 to 12.1 seconds for the automatic.
The petrol engine models are equipped with brand new transmissions:
either a 6-speed manual or an optional 5-speed automatic
Diesel power from the renowned Honda 2.2-litre i-CDTi engine
The introduction of Honda's advanced 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine
to the CR-V range in 2005 immediately conferred an advantage,
its 140 PS at 4000 rpm and a hefty 340 Nm of torque at just
2000 rpm delivering a significant performance gains over its
main rivals in all driving conditions and particularly in
4th and 5th gear acceleration.
The engine has undergone further optimisation for the third
generation CR-V, and fuel economy is even more impressive
as a result of the new model's aerodynamic efficiency which
is improved by 12 per cent. The Combined cycle figure falls
from 6.7 to just 6.5 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions from 177
to 173 g/km. There is a corresponding increase in performance
and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h drops from 10.6 to 10.3
seconds.
The diesel model continues to be mated to a 6-speed manual
transmission.
Efficient Real Time 4WD upgraded
The CR-V, thanks to the Real Time 4WD system which automatically
engages only when required, continues to offer excellent on-road
security in slippery conditions and good 'grass and gravel'
terrain capability, thus maximising fuel economy.
It combines a quiet, fuel efficient, dual-pump system with
a one-way cam unit to significantly enhance sensing of front-wheel
slippage - all in a lightweight, compact design. The new system
promptly transfers torque - 20 per cent more compared to the
existing unit - to the rear wheels, and significantly improves
stability during start up and cornering on snow-covered roads
and other slippery surfaces. help reduce engine and road noise
for an extremely quiet cabin.
(source: www.netcarshow.com)
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