New CR-V to feature hybrid, but no diesel
HONDA WILL OFFER a petrolelectric hybrid version of its CR-V when the new SUV goes on sale next year, but diesel variants will be axed as part of the Japanese manufacturer’s shift towards electrification.
The new variant is previewed by a concept named the CR-V Hybrid Prototype, which has been unveiled at this week’s Frankfurt motor show. The Hybrid Prototype also shows the new styling of the CR-V for the first time in Europe.
Honda’s VW Tiguan rival will initially be offered with a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo petrol engine and a choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The hybrid version will be introduced later in 2018 and use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors – one to propel the car and the other to act as an electric generator.
The hybrid CR-V will be capable of driving on either electric or petrol power, or a combination of both. The SUV will automatically shuffle between the three modes without input from the driver.