Honda CR-V VX Turbo CVT AWD
THE CR-V boasts of having one of the richest lineages in Honda Cars Philippines’ current vehicle lineup. Since its first generation in the 90s, it has exhibited impressive performance in the local market. In September of last year, Honda launched the latest generation CR-V, marking the brand’s first model to feature its proprietary e:HEV hybrid electric technology in the country.
While everyone is going gaga over the topof-the-line all-new CR-V, let’s take a closer look at the quiet yet, what I believe, to be the “most CR-V” among all its variant offerings: the Honda CR-V VX Turbo CVT AWD.
CVT stands for continuously variable transmission and AWD is all-wheel drive.
In my first moments with this beauty finished in Platinum White Pearl, it immediately dawned upon me how far the CR-V badge has come through its generations. Now in its sixth iteration, the Honda CR-V has not only grown physically but has also developed a more mature character. Probably like the buyers of the RD1 CR-V, these individuals might now prioritize safety above all else in life, making the all-new CR-V’s Honda Sensing suite of driver assist features a crucial aspect for them.
Another significant development lies in the engine department. Transitioning from being naturally aspirated to now having forced induction via a turbocharger coupled with VTEC technology, the VX Turbo CVT AWD offers a tantalizing performance upgrade over its predecessors. The VX variant is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged VTEC engine that outputs 190 PS and 240 Nm of torque. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a CVT system. If you are skeptical about the CR-V receiving a 1.5-liter turbo VTEC, let me assure you, it is not sluggish. It may not offer the instantaneous acceleration of the HR-V or FE Civic, but the all-new CR-V provides its share of driving fun, especially with its beefy top range.
Speaking of driving performance, I had the opportunity to test the all-new CR-V VX in Cabanatuan. During my first time around the city, I encountered numerous unpaved roads. Thanks to the real-time AWD system of the CR-V VX, I was able to confidently navigate through every rut with peace of mind and ease.
My time with the CR-V VX was predominantly spent on the highway. This allowed me to appreciate its stability, further enhanced by its topnotch noise, vibration and harshness reduction. The stable ride, loved in every CR-V generation, has been passed on to the current iteration. Additionally, the quiet cabin elevates the premium riding experience to higher levels.
The all-new CR-V boasts a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. In-car entertainment is delivered through an exquisite Bose 12-speaker system that offers exceptional sound clarity. Among its other cabin features, the all-new CR-V maintains the 7-seater capacity of its predecessor, a feature lacking in the early CR-V models.
The Honda CR-V VX Turbo CVT AWD encapsulates everything that its loyal patrons have loved since its very first edition. It offers a spacious cabin, a notably comfortable ride, four-wheel drive attributes, a powerful engine under the hood, and a commanding presence that is uniquely CR-V. The VX Turbo CVT AWD variant encapsulates the essence of the very first CR-V packaged in a more dynamic design, along with high-tech features and amenities, making it more appealing for the Philippine crossover market, a segment the badge proudly pioneered.