Honda CR-V 2015, presentation and road test in Barcelona

The Honda CR-V, one of the most important models for the Japanese brand, is renewed for 2015, the year we have just begun.

And it does so with a more refined design and much more advanced technical features. We have already tested it. Would you like to join us in discovering it?

The CR-V is a model with a long track record within Honda’s activities in the European market. In Spain the CR-V arrived in 1997, which means 18 years of history in our country. If we widen our view further, we discover that the CR-V began to be sold in other markets in 1995, which means no less than 20 years of sales.

The CR-V is so important for Honda in Spain that it is the best-selling model of the Japanese company in our country, far outselling models such as the well-known and popular Civic. In fact, for 2015, the brand has sales forecasts of around 5,000 units of the CR-V, which would mean an increase of approximately 7% compared with 2014.

Exterior design: subtle but effective changes

The exterior appearance of the 2015 CR-V has undergone some changes that will help it maintain -and surpass- previous sales levels. To begin with, the front features more aggressive lines, with redesigned lighting units well integrated into the grille structure. In addition, the bumper now has more visual elements in a horizontal position, which improves the perception of the vehicle’s width.

The side view is practically identical to the CR-V sold until now, except for the new design of the alloy wheels. At the rear, larger chrome moldings have been inserted that join the tail lights, located above the C-pillar. In addition, the bumper has a more pleasing design.

Interior design: details that make the difference

In the interior, the changes are, if anything, even more restrained than in the bodywork. The main lines remain unchanged, although the quality of some plastics has been improved to make them more pleasant both to the eye and to the touch. In addition, according to Honda’s managers, the aim was to improve the acoustic comfort of the vehicle, which has been achieved through measures such as reinforced insulation in the doors and dashboard, making the cabin of the CR-V now 6% quieter than before.

In addition, the feel of buttons and switches has been improved, making them more appealing. Ergonomics have taken a step forward with the relocation of some controls. It keeps the fantastic space qualities that have so far characterized the Japanese SUV.

Technology: among the most advanced in its class

Honda has placed emphasis on improving the technological content of the CR-V, something we can confirm without hesitation. To begin with, the CR-V now features one of the most advanced infotainment systems on the market. Called Honda Connect, it is built on the Android mobile operating system, which provides fluidity and compatibility with a multitude of functions. The system reacts very quickly to touch actions, as it also recognizes gestures such as swiping, tapping or even pinching. It has a high-resolution color screen which, depending on the version, incorporates a navigation system signed by Garmin, as well as various applications or Mirror Link compatibility.

Another aspect that has improved is active safety. Here too we are debuting, as Honda has incorporated into this model what it calls Honda Sensing. It is a set of proactive systems that work together to improve the safety of the car and its surroundings, avoiding accidents as far as possible. Honda Sensing is controlled by a camera mounted on the windscreen and a millimetre-wave radar placed at the front of the vehicle. Working together, the result is the i-ACC, the first intelligent adaptive cruise control on the market, which predicts the movements of surrounding vehicles, analysing their behaviour and acting accordingly. In addition, systems such as the LKAS (lane change assist), the CMBS (collision mitigation braking system), or the blind spot warning are available.

Technical: new engine, new gearbox and a more pleasant drive

One of the key points of the 2015 CR-V is the incorporation of a new powertrain made up of a 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine with 160 CV and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Focusing on the first part of the equation, Honda has evolved the current 1.6 i-DTEC of 120 CV, which has given so much satisfaction, to reach 160 CV. Thanks to supercharging by means of a twin-turbocharger system, the 1.6 i-DTEC 160 replaces the previous 2.2 i-DTEC of 150 CV. The new engine offers 160 CV and 350 Nm, with very low consumption -in our first contact, on all types of roads, we recorded an average consumption of 6 litres-. In addition, it is capable of meeting the strict Euro 6 standard without the need for AdBlue.

The second key point is the gearbox. Built by ZF but with management and calibration by Honda itself, this gearbox represents a great advance over the previous 5-speed automatic. It is really compact in size for a torque converter, while also weighing 30 kg less than its predecessor. Its operation is very smooth. It practically seems as if there are no gears, since the shifts are quick and uninterrupted. Furthermore, it smooths out the operation of the engine even further, eliminating any harshness. It is a truly interesting package, and from here we strongly recommend it.

The chassis of the CR-V, which is basically the same as its predecessor’s, has been carefully tuned with reinforced steering and suspension, which has eliminated any trace of “boat-like” rocking and body roll at high speeds. If we push the car’s limits, we will find a understeer that is easily corrected.

Photographs | Daniel Valdivielso

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadHonda CR-V4 versions · from 51,545 €