New Honda CR-V launched in SA with big price hikes
The new Honda CR-V has been launched in SA at prices that will give prospective customers pause.
The midsized SUV comes in launched in two models priced at R959,900 (1.5T Executive) and R1,039,900 (1.5T Exclusive), making it significantly more expensive than rivals such as the Toyota Rav4, Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan X-Trail in a competitive segment.
Those competitors all sell for less than R900,000, with the new Honda priced in the realm of premium models such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
We have not yet driven the new sixth-generation CR-V to determine whether it has gone more upmarket to justify its prices, but it does have a more spacious interior brimming with tech and features.
Built on the Japanese carmaker’s latest Enhanced Global Architecture (EGA) platform and borrowing design cues from the 11th generation Civic, the new CR-V is sleeker than its predecessor with a more streamlined roofline, wider stance and longer bonnet.
It has an eye-catching design with a large, upright radiator grille flanked by a pair of narrow LED headlamps, and at the rear is a roof spoiler and distinctive vertical LED tail lamp clusters.
The CR-V Executive rides on 18-inch alloy wheels while the flagship Exclusive has a larger set of 19-inch alloys with a machined diamond finish. This range-topper also gets a more assertive front/rear bumper design, a sportier radiator grille mesh with gloss black accents, stainless-steel exhaust finishers and a panoramic sunroof.
Both models are available in a range of colours including Canyon River Blue Metallic (a hue exclusive to the CR-V range), Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Coffee Cherry Red Metallic and Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic.
With seating for seven as standard, the interior of the CRV is awash with features such as Honda’s new nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with (wireless) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
First seen in the 2022 Civic, this system has been engineered to be user-friendly and features a physical volume knob alongside dedicated buttons for the Home and Back functions. Fitted with a faster processor, it offers lag-free performance, and a simplified navigation structure with fewer embedded menus.
In the CR-V Executive, this is partnered with a seven-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster: a digital tachometer and numerical speedometer occupy the left and centre, with a physical speedometer on the right.
The Exclusive ups the technological ante with a fully digital 10.2-inch cluster, from which the driver can seamlessly scroll through music playlists, navigation directions and Honda Sensing functions all via the multifunction steering wheel.
This flagship model further benefits from a new head-up display, allowing one to see speed, driver assist and navigation information in a much clearer resolution.
Other highlights standard across the range include wireless charging, active noise control for a quieter cabin, electronically adjustable (eight-way driver, four-way passenger) heated “body stabilising” front seats, full leather upholstery, a hands-free powered tailgate, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, automatic windscreen wipers, electric windows and four USB ports (two up front and two at the rear).
Built with families in mind, the new CR-V places a heavy emphasis on safety. Both models have eight airbags. The list of active safety features is extensive and includes vehicle stability assist, agile handle assist, ABS brakes, hill-start assist, hill descent control, trailer stability assist, brake hold, driver attention monitor and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
For fuss-free parking manoeuvres in tight urban spaces, Honda has paired a 360° view camera with front and rear proximity sensors.
Making journeys safer is the inclusion of the latest Honda Sensing system: a suite of driver assistance technologies made up of adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation and a lane watch camera. This is fitted as standard equipment on both variants.
From launch the new CR-V is available with one engine: a 1.5l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit with outputs of 140kW and 240Nm.
Honda doesn’t provide performance figures but says the CR-V will sip 7.4l/100km on the combined cycle.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Honda claims is quieter and more refined than the one it replaces. It also offers simulated gear changes via the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
Aside from a 15% stiffer body and updated underpinnings, the new CR-V has a fully retuned suspension system for a more comfortable ride over rough surfaces, and sportier handling at the same time. A revised dualpinion electronic power steering system offers better feedback and improved straight-line stability.
Pricing includes a five-year/ 200,000km warranty and fiveyear/90,000km service plan.
IT HAS A FULLY RETUNED SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A MORE COMFORTABLE RIDE OVER ROUGH SURFACES