The CR-V SUV, a star player in Honda's arsenal
The fourth-generation CR-V, launched in November 2012, went on to become the world's best-selling SUV, with 9 000 000 units sold in over 150 countries. It enjoyed a mild facelift in 2015.
When the fifth-generation CR-V launched in August 2017, it was completely re-engineered from the ground up, and featured a fresh redesign. Honda claimed that it was larger inside, with more legroom and a bigger boot, offering more comfort and convenience features, and better value for consumers. Having driven the previous and latest incarnation of the CR-V, I can confidently say that both actually offer a spacious cabin, spacious boot and good ergonomics. I had the previous-generation 2.0-litre CR-V on test just after its 2015 facelift. Read my review below.
Related: The Honda CR-V, friend to the modern family (review, February 2016)
However, the current, fifth-generation CR-V is an even better specified package, featuring an upgraded infotainment system with more features, and a turbocharged 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine, among other things. As we all know, Honda is a huge fan of the CVT gearbox, and this is now standard in all the latest CR-Vs. The fourth-generation CR-V could be had with a six-speed manual gearbox and a 2.4-litre, naturally aspirated engine.
Based on a completely new platform architecture, Honda says the latest CR-V allows "significant gains in overall ride quality and refinement, as well as crisper steering response, enhanced ride comfort, and more composed handling." Being rather large and heavy, the CR-V has never been the most dynamic car to drive, but it's supremely comfortable and highly composed, and the ride quality is excellent. You can read all about my experience in the 1.5-litre turbocharged CR-V in the review below.
Related: The CR-V strikes back (review, February 2018)
Spot the difference: Exterior changes
Interior changes
The instrument binnacle is now home to a full colour TFT screen that replaces the previous model's analogue dials, and a central touchscreen of up to seven inches allows access to the infotainment system. The centre stack also houses the air-conditioning controls (dual-zone) and extends to the selector lever for the CVT gearbox.
Related: Is the Honda CR-V a good car for inexperienced drivers?
The current CRV's wheelbase is longer and the track is wider, creating more legroom (9cm, to be exact) as well as shoulder room for rear-seat passengers. When the rear seats are folded, you're left with a completely flat surface for easy transportation of objects in various shapes and sizes. With all seats in their upright position, the boot is a cavernous 522 litres, which can be increased to 1084 litres if you decide to stow the seats.
The front bucket seats are contoured for comfort and support, and all models (except the entry-level Comfort version) feature electric seat adjustment and even seat heating as standard.
CR-V engines and powertrains
After the last 2015 facelift, the CR-V was still available in 2.4-litre guise, but with the launch of the fifth-generation CR-V these were replaced with the turbocharged 1.5-litre models. The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre models that were available still remain, but have been optimised for overall efficiency.
2.0-litre, naturally aspirated models
The current Honda CR-V is offered with a choice of only two engines. The 2.0 Comfort and 2.0 Elegance models are powered by a more refined version of the 2,0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine also found in the previous CR-V. Output is rated at 113 kW at 6 500 r/min, combined with a torque peak of 189 Nm at 4 300 r/min.
This engine is mated with Honda’s Continuously Variable Transmission with G-Shift control logic, which "provides all the convenience of an automatic gearbox, but optimises the drive ratio for the particular driving circumstances. The gearbox also offers pre-set steps for manual selection." The naturally aspirated models are both front-wheel-driven.
1.5-litre turbocharged models
The latest 1.5T Executive and 1.5T Exclusive models feature a 1 498 cc turbo engine with 140 kW of maximum power at 5 600 r/min, together with 240 Nm of maximum torque between 2 000 and 5 000 r/min.The new turbo engine is paired with Honda’s CVT gearbox, but is linked to an intelligent Real Time AWD system that transfers power from the front to the rear wheels when the road surface calls for it.
"This system has undergone significant improvements for the new CR-V, including a substantial increase in maximum rear wheel torque delivery, and a new intelligent control system for improved overall performance, without having to wait for the front wheels to slip before proportioning torque to the rear. The all-wheel drive system delivers the efficiency and economy of front-wheel drive on normal surfaces, but offers additional traction, composure and peace of mind when travelling on compromised surfaces such as wet roads or gravel tracks", says Honda.
"This latest CR-V also incorporates Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which ensures the highest available level of collision safety by efficiently dissipating impact energy and retaining the integrity of the passenger safety cell."
"Like the previous model, the new CR-V combines a MacPherson strut-based front suspension with a multilink rear configuration. However, the entire suspension has been optimised."
Current generation's grade walk
Herewith the list of features of each model, as per Honda SA. (Please note that fuel consumption figures are supplied by the manufacturer and are not based on real-world driving conditions.) Please see safety systems listed under each variant.
Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort FWD, R462 700
This model combines Honda's proven 2,0-litre petrol engine with a CVT gearbox and front-wheel drive. The 2.0 Comfort's top speed is 192 km/h, while the combined-cycle fuel consumption figure is 7,3 litres/100 km (in line with the 93/116/EC standard).
Distinguishing exterior features include aluminium-look front and rear scuff plates, and brushed aluminium roof rails, while the vehicle runs on new 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with 235/65 R17 tyres.
The 2.0 Comfort is equipped with halogen main headlights and inverted LED daytime running lights, while low-mounted fog lights are also standard. The rear taillights incorporate bright LED technology.
Inside, the cabin features smart cloth upholstery and metallic accents, a soft-touch instrument panel featuring an innovative digital driver information interface instead of conventional instrumentation, and an extensive list of comfort, safety and convenience features.
The dashboard is also home to a 5-inch full-colour display that acts as an intuitive interface for the CR-V’s infotainment system. It allows set-up and control of the four-speaker audio system, as well as use of Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony and music streaming.
A USB port and AUX input are provided for external sources, and there are two 12V accessory power sockets: one in the instrument panel and the other in the centre console box.
The CR-V 2.0 Comfort’s convenience features includes dual-zone climate control with rear-mounted air vents, rear park distance sensors, and electrically operated front and rear windows. The exterior mirrors are also electrically adjustable, and an electric parking brake is standard.
A multi-function steering wheel ensures safe access to and control of the audio system, cruise control and hands-free telephony. The headlights are automatically activated in poor ambient light, while the hazard lights will automatically start flashing under heavy braking.
The CR-V 2.0 Comfort offers passive systems including dual front and side SRS airbags, while curtain airbags are standard, too. (6 in total)
Three-point seat belts are fitted front and rear, with a pre-tensioning feature for the front belts, along with ISOFix child seat anchors at the rear. Automatic brake hold is standard.
Active safety systems include ABS anti-lock control, augmented by electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) for the all-disc braking system, as well as Honda’s proprietary Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HAS) systems.
Also included is a Driver Attention Monitor that measures driver attention and delivers audible and tactile alerts. The system is standard across the entire Honda CR-V range.
Remote central locking with speed-sensitive auto door locking and selective unlocking, and immobiliser with integrated alarm, are among the CR-V 2.0 Comfort’s security features.
This model offers ample storage options, including a glove compartment, a centre console box, seat back pockets for both front seats, and an overhead storage case for sunglasses. The front and rear door panels also incorporate storage binnacles with integrated bottle holders.
Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance FWD, R522 800
The CR-V 2.0 Elegance is technically identical to the more affordable Comfort model, including the same drivetrain and exterior execution, but adds more comfort and convenience features.
This model has standard leather upholstery. It is fitted with the larger, 7-inch Display Audio interface that offers easier access to the vehicle’s infotainment features.
The system offers enhanced functionality, including Apple CarPlay, which allows seamless integration of iPhone features and functions, such as the iDevice’s own GPS navigation, voice-controlled search capability, and selected apps.
The audio capability has also been enhanced and features eight loudspeakers: one mid/bass unit in each door, as well as a pair of tweeters front and rear. An additional USB connection is provided in front, while rear passengers get a second pair of USB sockets. There’s also a HDMI connection.
The front seats offer eight-way electric adjustment with a memory function in the case of the driver’s seat, and four-way power adjustment for the passenger seat. Front seat heating is standard.
Park distance control is offered both front and rear, while the electric rear-view mirrors gain a heating function. The left exterior mirror tilts down when reversing for easier parking. The multifunction steering wheel is leather-trimmed, and now features gear shift paddles for manual CVT operation. The Elegance model also gains auto-sensing windscreen wipers.
A wide-angle conversation mirror is included below the sunglasses holder, while the vanity mirrors are illuminated.
Honda CR-V 1.5T Executive AWD, R639 500
Honda’s turbocharged CR-V is offered with all-wheel drive only. The 1.5T Executive is powered by Honda’s powerful and efficient force-induced, 1,5-litre petrol engine, delivering 140 kW of maximum power and a torque peak of 240 Nm. Like the other CR-V models, it is paired with a CVT gearbox is standard.
The CR-V makes full use of its intelligent, Real Time AWD system to reach a top speed of 200 km/h. Fuel consumption is 7,0 litres/100 km (in line with the 93/116/EC standard), and an associated CO2 emissions level of 167 g/km.
The exterior design of the 1.5T Executive shares all the key features of the 2,0-litre models, but gains 18-inch alloy wheels, shod with 235/60 R18 tyres. The headlights are full LED designs, complete with matching, inverted LED daytime running lights.
Inside, the 1.5T Executive has the same combination of leather upholstery, the Digital Driver Information Interface and the 7-inch Display Audio infotainment system as the 2.0 Elegance with Apple CarPlay.
Active Noise Control, an advanced noise cancelling system that actively combats ambient noise in the cabin, ensures that occupants of the new CR-V enjoy a quiet cabin.
The comprehensive features list of the Elegance is further expanded by the addition of a panoramic sunroof, auto-levelling for the headlights, and a start/stop button instead of a conventional ignition key, while the remote central locking system includes keyless smart entry.
Honda CR-V 1.5T Exclusive AWD, R685 400
The flagship of the new Honda CR-V range is the 1.5T Exclusive. Mechanically, it is identical to the Executive model, combining the same 1,5-litre turbo engine with a CVT gearbox and intelligent all-wheel drive.
The Exclusive also benefits from the same 18-inch alloy wheels. In fact, the only exterior feature distinguishing the Exclusive from the Executive model is the use of three-element LED front fog lamps.
Inside, leather upholstery and metallic accents remain, as well as the TFT-based Digital Driver Information Interface.
Exclusive models are equipped with a satellite navigation system, incorporated into the Display Audio system and offering full-colour mapping and turn-by-turn instructions. This further enhances the comprehensive infotainment suite offered by the latest CR-V, including Apple CarPlay.
Another feature is the electrically operated tailgate, with programmable opening height. Tyre pressure monitoring provides early and immediate warning of a loss of tyre pressure.
The 1.5T Exclusive is the only CR-V offered with Honda’s comprehensive set of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) - a comprehensive array of active systems aimed at assisting the CR-V driver to safely deal with hazardous driving conditions.
Collectively known as Honda Sensing, they comprise Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed following (LSF) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS).
Additional new driver-assistance technologies include LanewatchTM (Blind Spot Monitoring - BSM) and Auto High Beam (HSS) headlights.
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