Honda Cars has launched the latest generation of the Honda CR-V in India. With prices starting at Rs 28.15 lakh, the all new Honda CR-V is still a compact offering, although its diesel variant now comes with seven seats.
Hold on a second, a diesel-engined variant; on the CR-V! So here’s the thing: you can either buy a five-seat, petrol-engined CR-V, or spend a little extra and opt for the more practical, diesel-engined one. For more information about the two, you can head straight to read Raunak’s report from the first drive event.
The petrol version is available only with a front-wheel-drive layout, and comes powered by a 2-litre, four-cylinder engine that makes 152 bhp and 19.28 kgm. A CVT sends the power to the front wheels, and the CR-V (Petrol) boasts a claimed fuel economy of 14.4 kpl. The diesel on the other hand might prove more economical to run (claimed fuel efficiency at 19.5 kpl for 2WD and 18.3 kpl for AWD). It’s powered by a new 1.6-litre engine (118 bhp, 30.61 kgm) mated to a 9-speed AT.
The all-new Honda CR-V boasts LED headlamps, DRLs, and tail lamps. It looks good and is a welcome change from the overly macho-looking full-sized SUVs, and the slightly understated crossovers. More importantly, it continues with its endeavour to offer a luxurious cabin. There’s a combination of leather, piano black and wooden finish, and some high-tech gizmos. An eight-speaker audio system is paired with a new-age 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. There’s a panoramic sunroof, eight-way-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, an electric parking brake, among other things. The diesel-engined CR-V gets paddle shifters while the petrol variant comes with remote engine starter functionality. There are three variants (Petrol, Diesel 2WD, Diesel 4WD) and five colours to choose from.
Honda’s mentioned in detail the vehicle’s safety credentials, too. The Honda CR-V gets a solid five-star ASEAN NCAP rating. There are six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with Agile Handling Assist, Hill Start Assist, etc. There’s also a feature that warns the driver in case of erratic drowsy driving. A lane-watch camera is also present, which keeps an erm eye for vehicles/obstacles in the driver’s blind spot.
Honda Cars India’s President and CEO, Gaku Nakanishi said, “Today, we launch the globally successful all-new 5th generation Honda CR-V which has captured the imagination of SUV lovers across the world. Honda introduced the CR-V brand in India in 2004 as one of the first premium SUVs in the market. The all-new CR-V distinctly offers fun-to-drive performance of an SUV and driving comfort of a saloon which makes it a perfect urban SUV. We strongly believe that the new CR-V has the potential to be a game changer in premium SUV segment and we foresee a shift in consumer preference towards more luxurious and comfortable SUVs.”
Variant-wise prices for the 2018 Honda CR-V:
Honda CR-V Petrol (2WD): Rs 28.15 lakh
Honda CR-V Diesel (2WD): Rs 30.65 lakh
Honda CR-V Diesel (4WD): Rs 32.75 lakh
