Honda’s all-new CR-V buffet offers the e:HEV full hybrid and two variants with turbocharged gasoline engines
Launching today is the all-new Honda CR-V, the sixth generation of the family favorite. The brand’s flagship SUV will arrive with numerous features, such as available turbocharged gasoline engines, active safety features, and an available new full hybrid system, under Honda’s e:HEV electrified brand. Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) will launch three variants of the CR-V.
Let’s start with the new Honda CR-V e:HEV full hybrid. The car’s powertrain combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors. The gasoline engine follows an Atkinson Cycle, which delays the timing of the intake valve to deliver better fuel efficiency with some sacrifice in torque and power. That’s where the dual electric motors come in. With 184ps and 335Nm of torque, the electric motors operate from low speed all the way to high speed. The gasoline engine (148ps and 183Nm) is mostly used only for high-speed cruising. Honda claims 29.4 km/liter for the e:HEV in urban driving conditions.
The CR-V e:HEV can run on battery power alone when switched to EV drive mode. The driver can also switch to Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive mode. Further refinements can be made by switching among Sport, Normal and Econ Mode. Honda says that the transition from electric drive to gasoline-electric hybrid will be smooth and seamless. The hybrid system is self-charging, directly via the engine drive, and by energy recuperation from the regenerative braking system. There’s no need to plug in the CR-V e:HEV. The battery comes with an 8-year / 200,000-km warranty.
Powering the other CR-V variants are, for the first time in the Philippines, turbocharged gasoline engines. The 1.5-liter DOHC VTEC engine is capable of 190ps and 240Nm of torque, making this the most powerful gas-powered CR-V. Honda cites 16.4 km/liter for extra-urban driving fuel efficiency for the gasoline variants.
The latest Honda Sensing driver-assist safety technology is on board the CR-V. The system uses front sensor camera and radar systems to detect obstacles like cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicycles. Honda Sensing can activate collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation. There’s also adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, auto high beam, and available adaptive driving beam—an intelligent LED headlamps system that automatically adjusts the height of the light beam.
Honda Connect allows owners to interact with their vehicles via a smartphone app. They can check its status or be notified of any alerts. Automatic collision detection allows the vehicle to call for help when needed, and security alarm detection can alert of possible break-ins or unauthorized access. Owners can also remotely check fuel level, battery, and lock status. Vehicle lock and unlock, engine start, air conditioner, and lights can also be activated remotely.
CR-V follows Honda’s latest design language, with a prominent grille and slim, up-swept headlamps. The front grille is finished in piano black, honeycomb, or a sporty design exclusive to the e:HEV RS variant. The new SUV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, with a special design again exclusive to the RS variant.
The new CR-V is expected to have a large cabin, with the V Turbo and VX Turbo AWD variants getting seven seats in three rows. The cabin’s flexible seating can be configured for up to 840 liters of cargo space. The RS will have five seats, with up to 1064 liters of cargo space. Fully-digital instrument cluster, 9-inch touchscreen audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on board. Audio configurations include the standard 8-speaker surround and available Bose Premium Audio with 12 speakers. Prices of the CR-V are:
• 1.5 V Turbo CVT P2,150,000
• 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD P2,300,000
• 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT P2,600,000
“We are eager to launch the All-new Honda CR-V in the Philippines because this is a major step towards a carbon-neutral future for the next generation. With cumulative sales of over 70,000 units since it came to the Philippines in 1997, I know the Honda CR-V has a special place in the heart of Filipino customers. The all-new model, with the new e:HEV, Honda CONNECT, and Honda SENSING, is yet again how Honda demonstrates our commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment, and to safety for everyone,” said Ms. Rie Miyake, HCPI President.
