The new Honda CR-V has officially gone on sale in Ireland, with prices starting at €31,995, the same as the outgoing model.
Honda has replaced its 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine of old with this new, smaller and more efficient 1.6-litre unit. Power output is now rated at 160hp, an increase over the older engine, while there has also been reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Honda says that the new model is capable of returning 4.9 litres/100km on the combined cycle, with emissions of 129g/km, meaning tax Band B1 (€270 per annum) classification.
Buyers will also be able to choose from an all-wheel drive model that will have a starting price of €37,495 in manual form, or €39,995 when equipped with the a nine-speed automatic transmission. When fitted with the latter, the CR-V is capable of returning fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km in front-wheel drive form, meaning little in the way of a penalty when it comes to fuel costs.
The CR-V will be offered in a choice of four different specification levels - SE, ES, ES Sport and EX - all of which will also be available in either front- or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment on the SE model includes a City Brake Active system, Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and an electrically adjusted driver's seat, as well as a stop-start system, Eco Assist and Hill Start Assist.
Stepping up to the ES specification, equipment levels increase to include Honda's Connect touchscreen infotainment system, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera and front fog lights, along with electrically folding door mirrors, auto-dim rear-view mirror and automatic lights and wipers.
The ES Sport model benefits from the addition of larger 18-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails, privacy glass and HID headlights. The interior gains leather and Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, satellite navigation and driver aids that include high beam support and active cornering lights.
At the top of the CR-V range is the EX model, which features a panoramic glass roof, keyless entry and engine start, electrically-operated tailgate and fully-electric driver's seat with memory function. It also features Honda's Dynamic Safety Pack that includes a forward collision warning, lane departure system and blind spot information, as well as cross traffic monitor and traffic sign recognition. Buyers will also be able to order Honda's new Sensing Pack on EX grade at a cost of €1,800. This system takes adaptive cruise control one step further by scanning the road ahead in order to accurately predict the likelihood of another car cutting in front on the motorway.
Anything else?
The new Honda CR-V in manual guise will begin arriving in dealerships from March, while the automatic transmission models will arrive from June onwards. You can read out first drive review of the new CR-V here.