The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hybrid Honda on economy drive
Honda has released prices and specifications for the hybrid version of its CR-V.
The CR-V Hybrid will arrive in UK dealerships in February, with prices starting from just over £29,000. That’s a premium of around £3,000 over the equivalent petrol model, although better fuel economy will immediately start to claw back the extra outlay.
The family SUV joins the standard petrol-powered CR-V in Honda’s range, but uses a petrol-electric system to allow up to 53.3mpg economy and CO2 emissions of as little as 120g/km.
A four-wheel-drive version will also be available, although that sacrifices some of the economy benefits of its frontwheel-drive sibling, with returns of 51.4mpg.
No matter whether you choose two- or four-wheel drive, though, the car will come with just one gearbox – a so-called “eCVT” automatic – and only one seating layout.
Where the petrol version is offered with seven seats, the Hybrid will only carry five. That’s due to the additional space needed to house the electric motor and battery.
The CR-V has always had a strong following, particularly in Scotland, where buyers often remain loyal to a single brand.
The hybrid model effectively replaces the old 1.6-litre diesel engine, diesel no longer being the fuel of choice following the Volkswagen emissions scandal and emerging knowledge about its impact on air quality.
The lower emissions of a hybrid also make them more company car-friendly, reducing the benefit-in-kind tax bill for users.
The £29,005 starting price for the CR-V hybrid only buys you a front-wheeldrive car in the lowest available trim level, S.
Even so, there’s a reasonable level of standard kit, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lights and a range of safety systems, including lane-departure warning and a collision mitigation system that applies the brakes automatically if it detects an impending crash, thereby either preventing or reducing the severity of the accident.
For an extra £1,860, though, customers can have the SE variant, which adds two-zone climate control, parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Going for the SE also allows you to choose four-wheel drive, albeit as a £1,100 option.
The next rung on the ladder is the mid-range SR model, which comes with satellite navigation, leather upholstery and keyless start. All that comes in at a hefty £33,445, or £34,545 if you’ve gone for all-wheel drive.
The top-spec EX version costs £37,255 but comes with four-wheel drive as standard, as well as an opening glass roof, heated steering wheel and a head-up display.