We will get to know the new generation of the Honda CR-V at the Geneva Motor Show

Among the new features that Honda will bring to the Geneva Motor Show is the new CR-V, a model that adds one more generation to its back catalogue, while also bringing a refreshed look for both the interior and the exterior. But it will not be the only new feature that the Honda CR-V brings, since the Japanese SUV will for the first time in Europe offer a seven-seat version.

Looking at the exterior styling, the changes are more than evident, with the car now featuring an even more robust presence. The front and rear bumpers have been completely redesigned, with exterior lines that create a greater sense of width and that join the new wheel arches; this also means that at the front we have a slightly larger grille, a new design and arrangement of the LED fog lights, and a new light cluster, while at the rear there is also a new design for the light cluster and the tailgate.

Inside, we find the same premise that was used for the exterior design: achieving a greater sense of width and spaciousness. To do this, the new dashboard uses a horizontal layout, and in addition all the controls and buttons have also changed design, including the air vents, with the central ones now positioned higher, above the new seven-inch touchscreen. But it will not be the only screen we see on the dashboard, since the instrument panel will also have another one, also seven inches.

The exterior dimensions of the new Honda CR-V will be slightly larger than its predecessor, which translates into more interior space and, logically, greater comfort for its occupants. With these new dimensions, and together with the new design that makes better use of space, the boot also gains capacity, now with two positions, allowing a flat surface to be created for storing large objects, which can be accessed with complete ease thanks to the hands-free tailgate.

It is on the tailgate that new features have also been incorporated, such as the option to program its opening, thus avoiding hitting it in places with a low ceiling. In addition, the second-row seats will fold down with a single movement in a 60:40 split, allowing much faster and easier loading. Behind these, optionally, we will have the third row of seats, which Honda promises offer sufficient legroom, a 101º backrest angle so they are comfortable on long journeys, and easy and convenient access.

Mechanically, the most important novelty is that hybrid technology will be implemented in the new Honda CR-V. We first saw this engine at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year: the hybrid system is the Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD), which consists of a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle i-VTEC petrol engine and two electric motors. This hybrid system is mainly characterised by not using a conventional transmission, but instead a single fixed gear ratio, resulting in a smoother transfer of torque. It will not be the only engine available: there will also be a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine with a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic.

Both engine options will be offered as standard with front-wheel drive, although optionally they can be paired with the Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System all-wheel-drive technology from Honda, giving it good off-road capability. In addition, the petrol all-wheel-drive versions increase their ground clearance to 208 mm, and all of them have grown by 38 mm compared with the previous generation.

To learn more about the new Honda CR-V, we will have to wait until its presentation at the Geneva Motor Show, although we can already tell you that the models with the 1.5 VTEC Turbo engine will arrive in Europe next autumn, while the hybrid models will not arrive until early 2019.

Technical specifications of this car

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