29 Sep 06 11:08
The Mk2 Honda CR-V goes on sale in the UK in January 2007. It is going to drive like a saloon car, be better equipped and safer, yet stay as practical as ever, says Honda. A revised four-wheel drive system can transfer 20percent more torque from the front to rear axles, aiding off-road progress (just in case any CR-V owner might actually want to leave the tarmac) and on-road stability in slippery conditions. Stability is also helped by the lower centre of gravity (it's 35mm lower-slung) and wider track (the distance between each pair of wheels is increased by 30mm) for the modified suspension set-up. Steering has been tweaked for faster, more direct responses.
Honda buyers don't tend to like too much change, so the styling remains pretty faithful to the original, with a slightly more rakish rear end, a new grille, fatter front bumper and projector-style headlights. The tailgate now opens vertically, as on a conventional hatchback, and the spare wheel now lives under the boot floor, rather than on the rear door. Is this perhaps a move to make the CR-V look less like a politically-incorrect SUV, and more like a high-riding 'normal' family car?
New optional safety features include active front lighting, the radar-controlled Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a set distance from the car in front, and Collision Mitigation Braking, which uses sensors to detect an impending collision, warn the driver, and automatically prepare the seatbelts and apply braking force if a crash seems inevitable. Standard occupant-protecting devices include front and side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, stability control and Trailer Stability Assist. Honda is expecting a five-star Euro NCAP crash test score, with a four-star result for child protection and three stars for pedestrian safety.
The engine choices consist of a new 2.0-litre VTEC petrol (150bhp) and the 140bhp 2.2-litre diesel. The petrol engine, based on the 1.8 used in the Civic, comes with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission; the diesel is now 12% more fuel-efficient than before (thanks mainly to the more aerodynamic exterior of the car) and its towing capacity is now up to 2000kg.
A general interior upgrade gives higher-quality cabin plastics and materials; the front seats are larger and more comfortable, the steering wheel is now reach/rake-adjustable, and the gear lever has been moved to the base of the centre console, freeing up more floor space. The new wheel-free tailgate allows for a longer boot, the doors are larger and open wider, and the sills are lower, aiding access in and out. The split/folding rear seat slides forwards on its base to create more luggage space, and it reclines; its centre section folds flat, and the whole seat can be tumbled forwards - Honda says that the CR-V can now accommodate two mountain bikes with their front wheels in place. A double-deck boot floor with a hinged shelf is also fitted; this shelf can be removed or stowed away if not needed.
More equipment options are offered, including an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, leather upholstery, 19" alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Top-spec models come with a full-length glass roof.
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