Crossover gets head-to-tail new look
Honda offers the model with a turbo engine for the first time
Honda just unwrapped its brand new 2017 CR-V.
This best-selling compact crossover has been completely redesigned, gaining myriad enhancements for the upcoming model year.
It features a stylish new body, more storage space, a higher-quality interior and greater technology than ever.
Perhaps the biggest change, however, is found underneath its sculpted hood.
For the first time, Honda’s CR-V will be offered with a turbocharged engine.
Displacing 1.5 litres with direct fuel in- jection, this dynamo should be familiar to anyone who has driven the new Civic.
It’s essentially identical to what’s available in the popular compact car.
Helping haul around a larger, heavier vehicle, the motor has been tuned to crank out even more power and torque.
The engine is estimated to deliver 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of twist. The Civic is only good for up to 174 and 167, respectively.
It will be standard in EX and higher models, which are projected to account for 75 per cent of sales.
As before, the only transmission available is of the continuously variable variety, which is a boon for fuel economy if not necessarily driving pleasure.
Thanks to that updated powertrain and improved aerodynamics, the 2017 CR-V is estimated to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency, though no figures have been released yet.
Entry-level LX versions of this crossover will have to make do with a tried-and-true 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated power plant should be good for 184 ponies and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. Allwheel drive is available in all trims and with either engine.
At almost 2,667 millimetres, the CR-V’s wheelbase has grown by just over 50 mm, compared with its predecessor’s. This stretch has helped dramatically increase cabin volume. Product planners estimate this vehicle should offer best-in-class interior space and rear-seat legroom.
As for luggage capacity, the wheelbase growth has increased the cargo hold’s overall length by 228 mm when the rear backrests are folded. Additionally, customers are treated to a totally flat load surface, which is always appreciated.
Like the Civic that came out last year, this CR-V’s interior has been made dramatically more premium for 2017. Designers benchmarked luxury models when creating the cabin, and it shows. Squishy-soft plastics abound, as do rich-looking trim pieces, soft leather and cuttingedge technology.
Dominating the centre stack is an available seven-inch touch screen Display Audio system with — get this — a physical volume knob, which re- places an infuriating touch slider. For even more convenience, this arrangement also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Beyond this, customers can get remote start, dual-zone climate con- trol, heated side-view mirrors, an electric parking brake and even rear USB ports to help keep all of their devices charged.
For a sporty look, LED daytime running lights are standard. Taking this a step further, top-of-the-line Touring models gain headlamps that utilize the same LED technology, a premium feature.
Another welcome option is the company’s first hands-free liftgate. In addition to this, Honda Sensing will also be offered, their suite of advanced driver-assistance features. This package deal includes things like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and automatic high-beams.
To keep up with anticipated demand, this truckster will be assembled in three different plants, a first for the nameplate. Factories in Ohio, Alliston, Ont., and, for the first time, Indiana, will assemble the 2017 CR-V.
Look for this vehicle at dealerships in December. Pricing information has not been announced at this time.