Initial details for the all-new 2017 Honda CR-V
range have been confirmed this week, with the Japanese SUV to feature seven
seats and turbo petrol power for the first time. The fifth-generation SUV will
offer the company’s 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, developing 190 Hp of
power and 240 Nm of torque, mated to a continuously-variable transmission (CVT).
Honda claims the new powertrain will deliver
fuel-efficiency buyers “don’t expect” from an SUV. For the first time in the
CR-V’s 20-year history Down Under, buyers will have the choice of five- or
seven-seat configurations, while also having the usual choice of front- and
all-wheel drive.
Based on an all-new architecture, the new CR-V
features a longer wheelbase than the current iteration, meaning the
already-generous rear passenger area will become even more accomodating. Honda
is aiming to change the public’s perception of its vehicles, hoping to offer
benchmark steering precision, ride comfort, body control and cabin quietness for
the medium SUV segment – in a similar way the new Civic made waves in the small
car class.
With the inclusion of third-row seating, the new
CR-V will better rival three-row offerings like the Mitsubishi Outlander and
Nissan X-Trail, along with the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and larger
SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
Full pricing and specifications for the all-new 2017
Honda CR-V range will be revealed closer to the local launch in July.