1. Model changes: Honda’s CR-V has been sold in South Africa since 1997, two years after the first-generation model was launched in Japan. The second generation was launched 2002, the third generation in 2007 and the fourth generation model in 2012. The latest Honda CR-V on sale here since August 2017 is the fifth-generation Honda CR-V. The CR-V can rightly claim to be one of the first models sold here to spearhead the move towards city-orientated SUVs, along with Toyota’s RAV4. You might want to read about the previous generation Honda CR-V here.
2. Now with turbo and non-turbo petrol engines. The current Honda CR-V is the first generation to be sold here with a turbocharged petrol engine. This is a 1 498 cc four-cylinder petrol turbo unit producing 140 kW and 240 Nm of torque, and is available in the top Executive and Exclusive AWD models, both featuring all-wheel-drive on demand. But being typically conservative, Honda still offer a non-turbo option in the two entry models in the range, the Comfort and Elegance, powered by a 1 997 cc four-cylinder offering 113 kW and 189 Nm of torque
3. You are now limited to a CVT gearbox. The latest range does not offer a manual transmission model. All four models use a CVT gearbox, the term meaning a constantly velocity transmssion system. This system sees the engine operate in its peak torque range, and revs stay in certain range even though speed increases or decreases, depending on the pressure on the accelerator pedal. This system is efficient, but can producing an irritating monotone droning noise in the car. Hence Honda offers paddle shifting to simulate “gear steps” on the turbocharged models.
4. Excellent safety features. The Honda CR-V is laden with safety systems. It has dual front airbags, dual side airbags and dual curtain airbags. It comes with a range of electronic driver-assistance features. ABS braking is complemented by emergency braking assistance, traction control, cornering assistance, and intelligent torque control on the all-wheel-drive models to provide maximum traction at all time. Driver alert systems warn the driver of drowsiness and the steering wheel vibrates if erratic vehicle behaviour is detected by sensors.
5. Infotainment. The entry-level Comfort model offers a 5-inch infotainment screen while the Elegance, Executive and Exclusive models offer a larger 7-inch screen with more integration with modern connectivity features, such as smartphone compatibility. The top models feature satellite navigation.
Recommended:
For a full review on the latest-generation Honda CR-V, click here.
For listings of new & pre-owned Honda CR-Vs for sale, across a number of generations, click here.