The Next Generation Honda CR-V

The next generation Honda CR-V is set to be launched in the UK showrooms in October 2012 and will continue to be built at the Swindon plant.

For the first time there will be a two-wheel and four-wheel drive line-up for the petrol 2.0 i-VTEC model.

The new model promises lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy whilst retaining the 2.0 i-VTEC petrol engine and the 2.2 i-DTEC diesel. There was talk of small capacity diesel but this has not been confirmed at this point. The petrol six-speed manual engine will feature idle-stop technology and have Eco Assist and ECON Mode as standard, which helps contribute to 10 per cent lower CO2 emissions when compared with the current model, which means a fall to 153 g/km and 175 g/km for the five-speed auto.

Honda have changed the four-wheel drive system from the hydraulically activated “dual-pump” system of the third generation CR-V, to an electronically activated system that provides a faster response when a loss of traction is detected. It also reduces weight by 17 per cent and minimizes internal friction by 59 per cent.

The new Honda CR-V is 30mm lower than the current model and 5mm shorter but the interior space pretty much remains the same, although there is more room between the front seats and the hip height has been reduced to allow easier access. The boot capacity has been increased by 148 litres to 1648 litres and with the seats folded up; the boot capacity is 589 litres. The load length has been increased by 140mm to 1570mm, while the height of the load lip has been reduced by 25mm to make access easier. The tailgate now has the option of being powered plus there is the option of a keyless entry system.

There has been attention to sound deadening as well – with doors that have double seals and enhanced sound absorption material has been fitted to the rear door, rear wheel arches, door frames, front bulkhead and bonnet.

The CR-V will feature a number of key safety features to the range including  Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering system (MA-EPS), Real Time all-wheel drive with Intelligent Control System, Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC), Advanced Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system and Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), which are new to the CR-V.

We do not have the prices or full specification at the moment but we will let you know near the launch date.