Honda Cars Philippines has finally launched the all-new, sixth-generation CR-V. With cumulative sales surpassing the 70,000-unit mark in the country, the all-new compact SUV seeks to capitalize on its iconic nameplate by offering enhanced comfort, next-generation connectivity, and the availability of Honda’s latest gasoline-electric hybrid system.
Design-wise, the CR-V goes for a balance between sportiness and functionality. The front pillars have been pulled back lengthening the nose for better aerodynamic performance and visibility. At the front, there’s a large, upright grille that comes standard with LED headlights (with adaptive driving beam and active cornering function for the RS e:HEV), while at the back, the inherited vertically-styled LED taillights express a stronger character. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 tires are standard on all variants.
The new CR-V RS e:HEV variant further elevates the dynamic edge with the body-colored lower bumper and wheel arch trims along with high-gloss black accents on grille, side mirrors, rear spoiler, B- and C-pillarsm and Berlina Black 18-inch wheels.
Inside, the “High Quality but Tough” design ethos goes for a clearly styled but high-quality space. Like the Civic, the CR-V adopts the low-profile vent design hidden by a honeycomb pattern detailing that spans the dashboard. Ambient lighting, particularly on the doors emphasize the cabin width. Honda also paid close attention to the various touchpoints, imbuing this compact SUV with high-quality materials.
Comfort and convenience features include the Honda Smart Key Card (1.5 VX Turbo and up), a 10.2-inch full digital gauge cluster, front power adjustable seats (with memory setting for the driver), hands-free power tailgate with walkaway close, leather upholstery, a 9-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, and dual zone climate control with rear vents.
Meanwhile, the CR-V RS e:HEV is distinguished by its red accent stitching on its seats, a panoramic sunroof, aluminum sport pedals, brushed aluminum trim and piano black trim, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
The CR-V 1.5 V Turbo and the CR-V 1.5 VX Turbo AWD both offer seven seats as standard. The three-row concept has been refined by flattening the floor, while also relocating the rear seat air vent inlets from the top to the sides. Now, adults as tall as 170 cm can fit in the third-row. Access to the third-row has been made easier with a single-action lever on top of the second-row seats. With the third-row up, cargo space is 150 liters growing to 581 liters with the third-row seats down. Fold the second row seats down, and the cargo hold grows to 1,064 liters.
Meanwhile, the CR-V RS e:HEV is purely a five-seater model due to the presence of the high-voltage battery lithium-ion battery.
About the engine, the 1.5 V Turbo and 1.5 VX Turbo are both powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter VTEC engine. It outputs 190hp and 240Nm of torque. Compared to previous outings of the 1.5-liter turbo, the exhaust manifold has been changed to a 4-into-2 design for improved turbo efficiency at low engine speeds. Engine noise has been reduced thanks to a new high-rigid crankshaft, oil pan, intake cover, engine mounts, and muffler design.
The 1.5 VX Turbo is the sole variant offered with Honda’s Real Time All-Wheel Drive system. For the all-new CR-V, the system can now transfer up to 50 percent of available engine torque to the rear wheels.
Either way, both the 1.5 V Turbo and 1.5 VX Turbo AWD use a Continuously Variable Transmission with improved vibration suppression.
Meanwhile, the CR-V RS e:HEV debuts the latest Honda hybrid system for the Philippine market. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is mated to a pair of electric motors, mounted side-by-side. The primary electric motor already makes 184hp, while a secondary motor, dedicated to charging the battery, makes 163hp. Total system output, with the internal combustion engine, is 207hp and 335Nm from zero rpm. It also has three drive modes including an EV Drive mode that allows it to run on battery power.
Managing the hybrid setup is an all-new E-CVT which has high- and low-speed lockup ratios. The low ratio improves the CR-V RS e:HEV’s hill-climbing ability, while also expanding the electric motor’s usage. Meanwhile, the high-ratio, with its separate gears, maximizes the speed in which the electric motor can run. It also reduces the rise in engine revs during highway cruising. A “B” setting also enables stronger energy regeneration—up to 0.09 G, while operating the paddle shifter can bring that up to 0.11 G.
Complementing the new CR-V’s powertrain is an enhanced platform. For improved stability, the wheelbase has been increased to 2,701 mm, while the front and rear tracks are now up 10 mm. Moreover, overall rigidity is up some 15 percent, while the suspension itself has been retuned. The steering itself uses a dual-pinion setup providing improved straight-line stability and feel.
Debuting on the CR-V is Honda Connect. This smartphone-based app enables new features that improve safety and convenience. These include automatic collision detection, vehicle dashboard, remote vehicle control, telematics, and security alarm alert.
The CR-V comes with Honda Sensing. Using a wide-angle monocular camera and millimeter wave radar, it gives features such as Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Lead Car Notification, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Automatic High Beam with Adaptive Driving Beam.
“As a mobility manufacturer dedicated to the environment, Honda has for decades been engaged in developing a full range of vehicle electrification technologies. We are proud to launch the all-new Honda CR-V in the Philippines as this generation is one of many firsts. It is the first CR-V with e:HEV technology which deliver outstanding driver pleasure and exceptional environment performance, and i-VTEC Turbo power which provide agile acceleration and a sophisticated driving experience with also much environmental performance,” said Rie Miyake, HCPI President.
The all-new Honda CR-V also ushers in Honda Connect, and we believe that this technology will further enhance the experience of our customers. More than an application, it’s a communication system with your Honda vehicle and with us. We are also proud to say that Honda SENSING is standard in all variants. There is no doubt that the Honda CR-V is an SUV that is close to Filipino hearts, and we are confident that the all-new model will continue that legacy,” Miyake-san added.
The all-new Honda CR-V is available in the following colors: Ignite Red Metallic (RS e:HEV only), Canyon River Blue Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic (1.5 V Turbo and 1.5 VX Turbo), and Platinum White Pearl.
Prices for the CR-V start at P 2,100,000 for the 1.5 V Turbo; P 2,280,000 for the 1.5 VX Turbo AWD; and P 2,590,000 for the 2.0 RS e:HEV.
In terms of availability, the CR-V 1.5 V and CR-V 1.5 VX Turbo is now available at authorized Honda dealerships, while the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV units will arrive by October.