More flair, better value Honda CR-V unleashed

HONDA’S popular CR-V sports utility vehicle has been upgraded for the 2015 model year.

The improvements range from a bolder exterior styling package to enhanced levels of standard equipment, while the model line-up has been adapted to reflect customer preference.

While the silhouette of the CR-V is unchanged, significant changes to the front and the rear of the com-pact SUV have created a bolder, more progressive appearance. Notable changes are the new grille with chrome detailing and a bold, gloss-black horizontal spar.

The grille is flanked by slimmer, more lengthened HID headlights fitted with revised, wrap-around LED daytime running lights.

At the rear of the CR-V, bolder tail light clusters with a pronounced chrome garnish strip below the rear screen can be seen. An aluminium-look scuff plate has been added to the rear apron, matching the front design of the new CR-V.

The changes to the front and rear bumpers have resulted in a shape that’s slightly wider and longer than the previous CR-V, creating a more poised and dynamic appearance.

Style and functionality are at the core of the CR-V’s redesigned interior, which features a brand new seven-inch touchscreen display as the interface for the vehicle’s infotainment system on all models except the entry-level Comfort.

However, Bluetooth-based connectivity is standard across the entire model range.

The menu-driven, icon-based interface is intuitive to use and provides quick, easy access to the system’s full scope of functions and features:

• Trip computer data;

• Audio;

• Telephony;

• FM and AM tuner, and

• a rear-view parking camera.

Under the 2015 CR-V’s skin, upgrades to the chassis have resulted in improved ride and handling characteristics. The changes include a reworked front suspension with different bushes, new dampers, a revised suspension geometry, all leading to a smoother, more engaging ride.

The 2015 Honda CR-V range offers a comprehensive array of safety and security features. Standard across all models are:

• ABS anti-lock brakes;

• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD);

• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA);

• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA);

• Emergency stop light system;

• Front and rear fog lamps;

• LED daytime running lights (standard), and

• Hill Start Assist (HSA) (for the automatic transmission models).

The flagship 2.4 Exclusive comes with:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC);

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW);

• Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

Passive safety features include two front, two side and two curtain airbags. The driver’s airbag is a dual-stage design.

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts are standard front and rear, while the front seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners and load limiters. Front active headrests and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard.

Security features include:

• Alarm and immobiliser;

• Remote central locking;

• Automatic speed-sensitive door locking;

• Selective unlocking option;

• Keyless tailgate unlocking, and

• Lockable glove compartment.

As before, the entry point to the CR-V range is the 2.0 Comfort, powered by Honda’s 1 997 cc four-cylinder i-VTEC engine:

• Maximum power – 114kW at 6 500rpm.

• Torque peak – 192Nm at 4 000rpm.

• Front wheel driven.

• Choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.

• 0 to100km/h sprint in 10 seconds (12,4 seconds for the auto version).

• Top speed – 190km/h and 185km/h (automatic version).

• Fuel consumption – 7,7 litres per 100km (manual transmission) and 7,6 litres per 100km (auto-gearbox model).

The CR-V 2.4 Executive is pow-ered by Honda’s 2 354 cc four-cylinder i-VTEC engine. This power unit delivers:

• Maximum output – 140kW at 7 000rpm

• Maximum torque – 220Nm at 4 300 rpm

• Five-speed automatic gearbox (only transmission choice)

• All-wheel drive

• 0 to 100 km/h – 11,1 seconds

• Top speed – 190 km/h

• Fuel consumption – 8,6 litres per 100km.

Pricing and warranty:

• Three-year or 100 000km warranty.

• Five-year or 90 000km service plan.

• One-year AA roadside assistance package.

• Services on all models – 15 000km intervals.

• Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort FWD Manual – R347 400.

• Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort FWD Auto – R362 400.

• Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance FWD Manual – R394 400.

• Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance FWD Auto – R409 400.

• Honda CR-V 2.4 Executive AWD Auto – R508 400.

• Honda CR-V 2.4 Exclusive AWD Auto – R544 400.