Honda's extended CR-V

author: FutureCar Staff    

The latest sixth-generation Honda CR-V has grown in size compared to its predecessors. It is 80 mm (3 in) longer with a 40 mm (1.5 in) longer wheelbase. In fact, it is larger than the original 1990s first-generation CR-V, being over 7.6 in longer, 3.3 in wider, with a 3 in longer wheelbase and half an inch lower.

The new CR-V comes in a Plug-In Hybrid version that can be charged at home, providing up to 50 miles of zero-emissions motoring. For long-distance trips, there is no range anxiety as it offers a maximum total range of 513 miles. The CR-V 'e:Phev' is powered by a 148 hp, 2-litre petrol engine that charges an onboard 17.7 kWh electric battery-generator, giving a total of 180 hp. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 9.4 seconds and has a top speed of 121 mph.

The performance of the CR-V is energetic and engaging, especially in sport mode. The styling, particularly the interior, remains conservative and practical, which is what Honda buyers value. The PHEV version helps resolve the fuel efficiency issue, offering up to 353 mpg equivalent when fully charged and around 45.5 mpg without charge.

The price of the new CR-V varies depending on the version. The highly specced e:Phev is priced at £53,995, while the standard hybrid starts from £45,895. The original CR-V, which was launched in the UK in 1997, cost around £16,000. Orders for the new models can be placed starting Monday, with deliveries expected to begin in October.

The sixth-generation CR-V is only available as a five-seater, but it offers lots of space for rear passengers. The rear seats can recline in eight steps by 10.5 degrees. Additionally, the CR-V gains an extra 72 litres of boot space, totaling 658 litres, due to the batteries being placed under the floor. It also features a system that projects the blind spot behind the vehicle onto the screen when turning left, helping to spot cyclists on the inside.

The author of the article speaks from experience, having owned the original 1995 Honda CR-V. The CR-V, along with the Toyota RAV4, redefined and created the family recreational SUV market. Both vehicles provided "soft-roader" 4X4s with car-like driving manners suitable for domestic grass-and-gravel off-roading. The author has also owned subsequent generations of the CR-V.

Charging the new CR-V plug-in hybrid takes 2.5 hours, and its 50 miles of EV-only range is ideal for daily commutes and school runs, helping to save on fuel and reduce CO2 emissions.

The article also provides a comparison of the dimensions between the first-generation CR-V and the sixth-generation CR-V. The sixth-generation CR-V is longer, wider, and has a longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor.

The new CR-V offers various driving modes, including sport mode, normal mode, eco mode, snow mode, and tow mode. The tow mode uses sat-nav to predict when to save battery power for predicted steep inclines when pulling a trailer or caravan.

The sixth-generation CR-V introduces new features such as front cross traffic warning, head-up display, and parking pilot for automatic parking. The overall impression of the new and larger CR-V is that it has grown both in size and maturity.

In addition to the Honda CR-V, the article briefly mentions Vauxhall's upcoming design direction. Vauxhall plans to banish "boring" from its design vocabulary and showcases a sporty new Manta fastback coupe based on the vehicle shown in the article. The design will be used on all future Vauxhall models.

The Vauxhall Experimental, a battery-electric crossover, will have its world premiere at the IAA Mobility in Munich. It is based on Stellantis's battery electric platform, is all-wheel drive, and features Vauxhall's pioneering spirit.

Mark Adams, vice-president for design at Vauxhall and Opel, expressed that the new Vauxhall Experimental gives shape to their vision of the future.

FutureCar Staff