Honda has officially released details of the all-new CR-V and as predicted it is virtually identical to the 'concept' that was shown at the Geneva Motor Show.
Exterior
While designed as a global car the European CR-V has been tailored specifically for the market. A more muscular front bumper than the one seen on the US version has been fitted with a new three-bar grille, while LED daytime running lights and rear LED lights are further additions.
Interior
The new car is lower than old but also boasts a lower floor meaning headroom remains the same. The real highlight of the new interior is the clever one-touch folding action of the rear seats. The system lifts the seat base, folds the headrests and lowers the backrest all with one quick tug of a lever.
Mechanicals
Acknowledging that SUVs rarely tackle anything tougher than a kerb the CR-V will for the first time be offered in both two- and four wheel drive configurations, but only when mated to the more powerful 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. Like the 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel the engine is an evolution of the current generation that, thanks to the fitment of stop-start sees emissions drop from 195- to 174g/km with the automatic version not fairing much worse. However, Honda Ireland may not offer that option, instead continuing to focus on the diesel. Good news there: emissions have dropped considerably, bringing the entry-level CR-V from Band E to Band C, saving buyers €347 per annum.
Despite using the old car's basic underpinnings the new CR-V is both longer and lower with improvements to interior space and aerodynamics.
Anything else?
The 2.0 petrol and 2.2 diesel may be the offerings when the new CR-V goes on sale at the very end of the year, but they will eventually be joined by a new 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel. Set to appear in the Civic first the new unit is said to offer 120bhp and sub-100g/km CO2.