Which Honda CR-V is better: diesel or petrol?

By Farzana Chaumoo

Honda is moving away from diesel engines but these can still be found on the used car market. We take a look at the basic stats of the previous diesel engine and the new petrol engines.

 

The new Honda CR-V is no longer sold with a diesel engine. Honda SA discontinued the CR-V Diesel variants sometime in 2014 when they were in run out. Honda Motor’s global strategy is moving away from diesel engines towards cleaner and more sustainable fuel sources because of global emission concerns. 

We spoke to a representative at Honda SA who said, "Although we understand that South Africa is still very much a diesel market, Honda SA has decided to align itself with Honda Motor’s global strategy towards cleaner fuel. Honda’s diesel engines are being discontinued globally as Honda is investing more into Hybrid and EV technology to prepare for the future of mobility."

 

Diesel i-CTDi derivatives (can be found in used CR-Vs)

The i-CTDi turbodiesel-powered CR-V model joined its petrol-engined siblings in June 2007 and established itself as the most refined and car-like turbodiesel SUV on the market at the time. Its advanced turbodiesel engine was "renowned for its quiet operation and smooth refinement, while it shares the distinctive styling, intelligent all-wheel drive system and spacious versatility of the petrol model".

The turbodiesel engine had a common-rail design and linked a useful 103 kW of maximum power to a crunching 340 Nm of torque at 2 000 r/min. It was offered in conjunction with a six-speed manual gearbox only, while the petrol versions could be paired with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox.

At the time, the i-CTDi was the more fuel-efficient variant of the cars, with a combined-cycle diesel consumption of only 6.5 litres/100 km. Even so, the 2,4-litre i-VTEC engine suits the CR-V like a glove and achieves a consumption figure of 9.5 litres.

Used diesel models can be found selling on site from 2008 to 2014. Shop now for a used diesel Honda CR-V.

 

Modern-day CR-V petrol engines

The new Honda CR-V is offered with a choice of two drivetrains. The 2.0 Comfort and 2.0 Elegance models are powered by a refined version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine employed in the previous CR-V.

The normally aspirated unit is equipped with variable valve timing and programmed fuel injection, and has a rated maximum power output of 113 kW at 6 500 r/min, combined with a torque peak of 189 Nm at 4 300 r/min. CO2 emissions are measured at 173 g/km while fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 l/100km on a combined cycle. 

The 1997 cc engine is linked to Honda’s highly regarded Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) 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. Drive is to the front wheels.

The 1.5T Executive and 1.5T Exclusive models break new ground for the CR-V by offering turbocharged power for the first time. The 1498 cc turbo engine is equipped with programmed, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing to deliver 140 kW of maximum power at 5 600 r/min, together with 240 Nm of maximum torque in a broadband between 2 000 and 5 000 r/min. CO2 emissions are measured at 167 g/km while fuel consumption is rated at 7.0 l/100km on a combined cycle. 

The new turbo engine is again accompanied by Honda’s CVT gearbox but is linked to an intelligent Real Time AWD system that seamlessly transfers power from the front to the rear wheels when additional traction is required.

The 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.

 

Verdict

The last diesel engine sold in the CR-V appeared in the third-gen models of which received updates in 2008 and sold until 2014. The newer, petrol engines would be better to purchase over the older diesels because of the diesel's age, reliability now and maintenance costs that could be incurred for old models from wear and tear. Petrol models also offer good performance as it has a clean pull and a strong mid-range which is typical of i-VTEC engines, making for easy commutes. Its fuel consumption figures further help its cause which is on par for SUVs this size.

 

 

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