Honda unveils CR-V with Realtime 4WD

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. introduced last week the 4x4 version of its best-selling CR-V. The CR-V 4x4 features Honda’s Realtime 4WD Dual Pump System that electronically detects various road surfaces and automatically engages the rear wheels whenever the front wheels start to slip. Like its previous 4x2 iteration, the 4x4 version is powered by a lightweight all-aluminum 2-liter i-VTEC (plus VTC) DOHC 16-valve engine developing 150 ps at 6500 rpm and 19.4 kg-m at 4000 rpm.

For the uninitiated, VTEC electronically switches valve timing and lift to match high-, mid-, and low-speed ranges while VTC provides continuous phase control of the intake valve according to engine load rotation. The result? An engine that is almost always at the peak of its power and torque band regardless of road speed for maximum responsiveness and enhanced fuel economy.

Outwardly the CR-V 4x4 sports an updated look with body-color bumpers, side protector moldings, door mirrors and handles along with a sporty body-color spare tire cover. New standard fittings include fog lamps and a third brake light for enhanced safety and visibility. A new exclusive alloy wheel design completes the freshened up styling of the CR-V 4x4.

Inside, leather seating and metallic highlights on panels and door switches give off both a sporty and luxurious look and feel. A new Pioneer CD/cassette stereo with a motorized face and variable color display provides on-road entertainment.

Emphasizing comfort and convenience, front captains’ seats with armrests allow a both a center walk-through and a fold-away center table with cupholders as standard offerings. Roomy cargo space with various compartments and accessories such as the charming fold-away picnic table, the wet-gear rear underfloor compartment, a seat undertray and the 12-volt accessory sockets in the front and rear ends enhance the CR-V 4x4’s utility and versatility.

On the safety front, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (anti-lock braking system) give additional security in avoiding accidents, especially during panic-braking situations. An added Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist (BA) further enhances braking control. Finally, seat belts with pre-tensioners and dual front airbags are standard equipment in the CR-V 4x4.

Launched in early 2002, the second-generation CR-V immediately became one of the most popular vehicles in the country, having sold 16,196 units as of September this year.

The CR-V 4x4 comes in new and sporty colors Ashton Silver, Titanium Silver Metallic and Night Hawk Black Metallic. In addition to the three standard colors, the CR-V 4x4 is also available in a head-turning Pearl White Mica for an additional P15,000.

The CR-V 4x4’s suggested retail prices are P1,168,000 for the variant with the 5-speed manual transmission and P1,218,000 if you want it with the 4-speed dash-mounted automatic. The CR-V 4x4’s availability ups the CR-V variant count to four, with the three-row seating 4x2 model carrying over with new price tags of P1 million with the manual transmission and P1,063,000 with the automatic.