What would you think of an automobile labeled as “the best-selling entry-SUV of all time”? This is how Honda expresses how proud it is of Compact Recreational Vehicle. The new vehicle was presented during this year’s Paris Auto Show, and is carried with a series of improvements. What makes it different from any ordinary mid-life facelift, on the other hand, is the level of attention that Honda dedicated to each of its departments. You are about to read why CR-V became once again fully prepared to be one of the best options of its class around the entire world.
Even though it’s not its biggest feature, one can’t help to notice CR-V’s new looks. The current generation’s modern and sporty lines were enhanced with a front fascia that follows the Solid Wing Face design language. That is to say, there are several elements which convey a sense of dynamism for their overall shape, while their details contribute to an imponent result. Particularly interesting is the fact that the headlights took another step towards merging with the upper grille: the main lamps are connected by the bar that carries Honda’s logo, while the daytime LEDs extend a narrower chrome line that surrounds the air intake. The lower section was also retouched, so as to follow the new tendencies. The rear, in turn, had its lights made with LEDs.
Entering the car introduces the set of cabin updates, which were just as extense as the previous one. Depending on the trim level, you can find from two tones of chrome inserts and dark coating to a wood grain trim that is combined to lighter material colors. The center console received rear-seat air vents, an adjustable armrest that slides to give access to an additional storage area, and “the first CR-V application of Honda’s 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen telematics interface”, which Honda claims to be available at the upscale trims. The latter equipment is the typical infotainment system, designed to concentrate car functions that range from audio settings to navigation data. There is also a progressive instrument illumination, starting at 10% when the door is opened.
CR-V’s really interesting news appears under the hood. Honda’s new tendencies have blessed it with Earth Dreams Technology, applied to an i-VTEC 2.4L engine which burns petrol and uses four cylinders and direct injection. This unit uses die-cast aluminum block whose design reduces noise and vibration, cast-in iron cylinder liners to improve durability, micro-polished forged-steel crankshaft to reduce internal friction, and some design improvements made to other components, in order to increase the overall efficiency – not so much regarding performance, but pollutant emissions and fuel consumption. There are also CVT transmission (with Econ mode) and an optional all-wheel-drive system, both with a similar level of built-in technology.
When it comes to safety, the new CR-V offers an array of equipments that go from Maintenance Minder, that tracks vehicle usage so as to determine the adequate time to change fluids and easy-access parts or rotate the tires, to all the electronic systems that already are a must-have for most cars around the world. The entertainment part, in turn, benefits from systems such as HondaLink, dedicated to multimedia connectivity, HondaLink Assist, which provides emergency assistance, and the aforementioned Display Audio, which allows the driver to listen to their own songs or to use internet-based services such as Pandora. The facelifted Honda CR-V should start to go on sale in the next few months.
Lançamento no Brasil (14/07/2015)
Depois da prévia no Salão de Buenos Aires, o crossover médio estende ao Brasil o facelift com o qual já se vende na Europa e nos Estados Unidos. Aqui, o CR-V oferece duas versões, com a básica LX custando R$ 115.100. Com motor 2.0 16v flexível de até 155 cv e 19,5 kgfm e câmbio automático de cinco marchas, ela tem notória perda de itens quando comparada com a EXL. Esta custa R$ 134.900 e tem como exclusividades bancos em couro, chave multifuncional, direção adaptativa, central de entretenimento com entrada HDMI, GPS, e tela de 7”, tração integral, rodas de liga leve aro 17”, teto solar elétrico, sensor de chuva, e controles de segurança como controles de estabilidade e de subida e alerta de frenagem de emergência.