SUVs make up a quarter of the vehicles sold this year, and no car company can aspire to much without one on its books. But after last year's natural disasters Honda's supply dried up, and sales plummeted. So dealers have the red carpet out for the new-generation CR-V now landing.
What's new
A two-wheel-drive variant, in 2.0-litre format, with the four-wheel-drive powered by a 2.4. On top of a new platform the equally new body is 30mm shorter than before and 30mm lower, though ground clearance remains 170mm and a longer roofline creates a more spacious cabin, with 75mm extra shoulder room.
A five-speed auto transmission was redeveloped from Accord Euro. The 2.4-litre four gets steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift to make the most of a 15kW power increase to 140kW at 7000rpm, and a modest torque boost to 222Nm at 4300rpm.
Yet thirst has dropped, from 10l/100km in this car's predecessor to a claimed 8.7, through alterations to components such as the fuel pump and steering, plus amendments to powertrain internals to improve efficiency, changes we'll eventually see on Euro too.
Not that they helped us, our launch car registering a 10.9 average after an admittedly lead-footed rural drive. Those preferring to spend less at the pump may choose the 114kW/190Nm 2.0 with its 7.7l/100km claim.
