New Honda CR-V takes the compact SUV to the next level

MANILA, Philippines – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines surprises the market once more as they took the wraps off their new CR-V at Enderun Tent, McKinley Hill the other night. The event marked HCPI’s seventh newest offering for the Philippine market this year, following the Accord, City, Jazz, Brio, Brio Amaze and the Civic.

The Honda CR-V prides itself as being one of the pioneer models which created a new category of vehicles that can be used comfortably and freely in a wide range of situations and can be used in both urban and recreation driving. Since then, Honda has further improved the CR-V to top its previous generations.

“We are confident that the new CR-V will meet the demands of the discerning customers who are looking for a smart SUV that will help make life’s adventure different and exciting. The new CR-V is developed to fit customers with various needs, especially now that it will be available with different variants to choose from and has more features to enjoy,” said HCPI president Toshio Kuwahara in his welcome remarks.

Now on its fourth generation, the new CR-V unveiled by HCPI was developed under the “Value Up CR-V Concept.” The development team who worked on the New CR-V improved the synergy of three main ideas – efficiency, functionality and confidence which were translated to a vehicle that has the feeling and efficiency of a passenger car, the functionality of a minivan and the security and confidence of an SUV.

To ably go well with various lifestyles and keep up with the demands of modern living, the New CR-V is available in both 2.4 and 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine displacements mated to either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2.4 liter engine is capable to deliver maximum power output of 185 ps at 7,000 rpm for the 2.4 liter variant and 153 ps at 6,500 rpm for the 2.0 liter engine. In addition, the New CR-V is now equipped with paddle shift technology that delivers superb driving convenience of a manual transmission. Further, should one opt for a more fuel-efficient drive, all variants of the New CR-V are equipped with the Eco Assist System and Eco Coaching Ambient Meter that promote and encourage a more fuel efficient driving habit.

The New CR-V presents itself with sleeker and more masculine exterior design with new front and rear bumper garnish, prominent front grille, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and a redesigned sporty 17-inch alloy wheel. Its new styling blends perfectly with the New CR-V’s over-all premium finish for a more refined yet tougher look.

Matching the New CR-V’s bold exterior is an interior that offers an impression of sophistication and modern appeal; with black interior toned with plush leather seats, a driver seat that has lumbar support and can be electronically adjusted in eight ways, smart entry with push start system and incorporation of new innovative onboard infotainment system. The New CR-V features two colored screens that enhance the overall user experience - the intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID) which shows information such as fuel consumption, trip computer and Honda’s intuitive 7-inch touch screen display audio and this time coupled with a built-in navigation system.

These screens work hand in hand to operate the hands-free telephone function and audio streaming via Bluetooth connectivity, promoting safety and convenience. The i-MID and touch screen display audio can also be controlled easily via the controls mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Furthermore, to be able to take full advantage of the display audio unit, the new CR-V is equipped with various useful ports such as USB and the new HDMI port which allows smartphone connection and/or mirroring on the display audio screen.

As always, Honda is committed to bring new values and innovation to its products for its most valued customers. The new CR-V is the first-ever Honda vehicle available locally to be equipped with Honda’s exclusive safety technology, LaneWatch. A tiny camera located on the passenger-side mirror can be manually or automatically activated when you signal right. A live video displays on the Display Audio and provides the driver a view almost 4 times greater than using the passenger-side mirror. Blind spots are now a thing of the past with Honda’s patented LaneWatch Technology.

The comprehensive methodology on vehicle safety is furthermore backed up by the New CR-V’s multi-view reverse camera that is capable of displaying in three views (normal, wide, and top down) with dynamic guidelines, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that automatically flashes the brake and hazard lights when it senses an emergency stop normally during heavy braking situations, driver and passenger SRS airbags, side airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist.

The new CR-V is available in four variants with the following introductory prices:

2.0 V MT         Php 1,313,000

2.0 V AT         Php 1,353,000

2.0 S AT          Php 1,483,000

2.4 SX AT       Php 1,673,000

It is available in five colors: Copper Sunset Pearl (2.0 S and 2.4 SX only), White Orchid Pearl (2.0 S and 2.4 SX only), Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic (2.0 S and 2.0 V only), Crystal Black Pearl, and Modern Steel Metallic.