New Honda CR-V: the 1.5 Turbo in autumn and the hybrid in 2019

After the summer, the new Honda CR-V arrives on the market with the 1.5 Turbo petrol engine. A car that will generate a lot of talk, especially when the hybrid version joins the range in 2019.

After releasing information piecemeal, the new Honda CR-V has finally been presented, and we have all the details of this new Japanese SUV, with performance figures for the 1.5 VTEC Turbo petrol version and the provisional launch schedule for the different versions that will make up the range. For now, as an introduction, let’s see the new CR-V in action in this video.

Let’s refresh our memory. First came the presentation of the Honda CR-V at the Geneva Motor Show, where it became clear that the new SUV would drop diesel engines and would be offered only with petrol engines and a hybrid version. Then some glimpses were revealed that gave us a clue about the suitability of the new CR-V as a family SUV, thanks to its interior spaciousness and its focus on comfort. They also let us look inside to learn a little more about the new platform of the 2019 CR-V and its advantages in terms of weight savings and safety. Now we go into more detail on what is really new: the engine.

1.5 Turbo VTEC petrol engine: who wants diesel?

We have already talked here several times about the many reasons there may be to say goodbye to diesel. But we also defend diesel engines here depending on the use. And it is striking that Honda, which has in the 1.6 i-DTEC one of the best diesel engines on the market in this category, does not offer it in one of the cars where diesels still make a lot of sense, in an SUV of already considerable size.

But that is how it is, and in the absence of diesel… well, there is the 1.5 VTEC Turbo, another engine that is also a benchmark in its class. It is the same four-cylinder engine that debuted in the Honda Civic, with variable valve timing on intake and exhaust, and which for the CR-V receives a new turbocharger and some adjustments. Power stays at 173 CV in versions with manual gearbox, and rises to 193 CV when the CVT automatic transmission is chosen, with a maximum torque of 220 Nm in the first case and 243 Nm in the second. By the way, Honda claims that this CVT has been redesigned to offer sensations similar to those of a dual-clutch gearbox. We are eager to check it.

With a weight from 1,501 kg for the five-seat front-wheel-drive versions, up to a maximum of 1,705 kg for the seven-seat all-wheel-drive automatic variants, the average combined cycle consumption ranges from 6.3 to 7.1 l/100 km (NEDC cycle), with CO2 emissions starting at 143 g/km in the most favourable case, up to 162 g/km for the top-of-range version.

The 1.5 VTEC engine ensures exquisite smoothness, great responsiveness and brilliant performance. Top speed reaches 210 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 9.2 seconds, figures that become 200 km/h and 10 seconds for the seven-seat automatic 4×4. The towing capacity of the all-wheel-drive Honda CR-V reaches up to 2,000 kg, in the five-seat 4×4 versions.

The Honda CR-V chassis

If the dynamic side is resolved with an engine of the calibre of the 1.5 VTEC, the chassis is not far behind. It promises dynamism and comfort in equal measure. To achieve this, the centre of gravity has been lowered –despite increasing ground clearance to 201 mm in the 4×4 versions– on a lighter body that is 25% more torsionally rigid, using up to 36% high and ultra-high strength steels, compared with 9% in the previous CR-V.

The suspensions, MacPherson at the front and multi-link at the rear, are newly designed, while the brakes have larger discs and an electric brake booster is added that improves braking efficiency in any situation. The AHA system is also fitted, which Honda calls “agile driving assist”. Basically it applies light braking to the inside wheels when cornering, seeking to improve agility.

The all-wheel drive is of the “intelligent” type. It engages the rear axle through a multi-plate clutch only in particular situations, such as when grip is lost, or for example when setting off after stopping at a stop sign. The revised software allows the rear wheels to receive up to 60 percent of the torque.

The first Honda CR-V with seven seats

In the cabin, the longer wheelbase of the new CR-V (gaining 30 mm) allows an increase of 50 mm between the front and rear seats. Together with the 57-litre fuel tank, which is flatter and located ahead of the rear wheels, passengers gain legroom. And for the first time on the CR-V, a version with seven seats and three rows is offered.

The second row has 150 mm of longitudinal adjustment to ease access to the third row, which can be folded 50/50 when not in use, lying flat beneath the boot floor. Boot capacity is 561 litres with five seats, and 150 litres when all seven seats are in use. With all seats folded, it exceeds 1,700 litres.

As for safety, the CR-V comes with Honda Sensing system as standard on all versions. It includes collision mitigation and prevention, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive intelligent cruise control and traffic sign recognition. Honda also offers for the CR-V a multi-angle rear view camera, blind spot information system and rear cross traffic alert.

The driver has at their disposal the second generation of the Honda Connect system, improved in its handling and with connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrumentation becomes digital, with a 7-inch TFT screen where information can be personalised.

Honda CR-V 2019 image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

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