HONDA CR-V
THE Honda CR-V has a sizeable, loyal following in the UK – and the Japanese brand is hoping to build on that with arguably one of the biggest steps in the model’s history. The all-new sixth-generation CR-V will arrive later this year, offering more cabin and boot space than ever before, and a pair of electrified powertrains – including Honda’s first plug-in hybrid in the UK.
There’s a radical technical rethink under the skin, but the CR-V’s design is clearly an evolution of what’s gone before. There’s a more complex honeycomb grille, but the side profile is typical CR-V, with the notable kick in the lower window line around the C-pillars, and the usual high-mounted taillights. It’s larger than the outgoing model, and the wheelbase has been stretched by 40mm, helping to deliver 15mm more legroom for rear passengers. Despite this growth spurt, Honda has no plans to offer the CR-V as a seven seater; it doesn’t believe that the layout is needed in Europe, and the larger Pilot model caters for that demand in the United States.
A choice of electrified powertrains is available in the CR-V, including a development of the e:HEV set-up found in the Civic and new ZR-V. As with that car, Honda hasn’t issued power figures, but we’d expect it to be around 181bhp. The non-plug-in CR-V will return 48mpg and CO2 emissions starting from 134g/km.
The plug-in hybrid uses a further evolution of the same e:HEV set-up, albeit with additional transmission systems to allow towing, and a considerably larger 17.7kWh battery. Honda is already claiming that this capacity will support up to 51 miles of electric-only range; that would potentially drop the model into the eight-per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax band, making it one of Honda’s most appealing SUVs to date for company-car choosers.
Inside, there’s plenty of space for four adults and an almost-flat rear floor that should ensure the CR-V remains comfortable, even with five occupants. Up front there’s the same nine-inch infotainment system as found in the Civic, and many of that car’s trim and finishes – notably the fascia treatment – are scaled up for use in the CR-V. Kit will include leather upholstery on all versions, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an uprated version of Honda’s Sensing suite of safety systems, and on the PHEV version, self-parking technology.
The boot, meanwhile, looks large for the class, and unusually, its capacity increases in the plug-in version. That’s because its battery is located beneath the floor, instead of below the rear seats. Expect hybrid versions to have 587 litres, and PHEV editions to offer 617 litres – in addition to an under-floor area large enough to store charging cables.
The increase in size and the arrival of more sophisticated powertrains are clear
“A 17.7kWh battery for the plug-in hybrid will support up to 51 miles of electric-only range”
signs that Honda is nudging the CR-V upmarket. As such, we’d expect a modest increase over the current car’s pricing when the first examples land in UK showrooms this autumn; a starting figure of around £35,000 would seem appropriate, with the PHEV version nudging £40,000.