Meet The Fifth-Generation Honda CR-V

The 2017 CR-V shares its platform with the latest-gen Civic and features a turbocharged petrol for the first time ever since its inception in 1997! 

Honda has taken wraps off the 2017, fifth-generation CR-V in an event in Detroit. It will go on sale in the States by late 2016. The new CR-V is based on Honda’s compact global platform, which made its debut with the tenth generation Civic. Also, it will be pulled by the Japanese automaker’s latest family of turbocharged petrol engines – VTEC Turbo – globally along with the existing powertrains. The European market launch is likely to take place next year, while its Indian debut is expected in a couple of years. Here’s what we know so far about the 2017 CR-V. 

Design and Platform

The CR-V borrows design cues from the latest Hondas (especially the current-gen Civic), featuring a ‘windswept’ front end. It now has a longer bonnet compared to the previous model and offers all-LED headlights with wing-shaped LED daytime running lights, both found on the India-bound face-lifted Accord and the Civic. Its chrome grille is closely flanked by the headlamps and has active shutters that lower aerodynamic drag, which is a first for Honda.  

Read: India Bound Honda Civic: What To Expect

At the sides, the 2017 CR-V gets a new set of machined alloy wheels (available in 17- or 18-inch profiles). Its window line is somewhat similar to the outgoing model. The rear profile features LED tail lamps, and like always, they look more Volvo-ish than Honda. Also, the CR-V now offers dual exhausts.  

Like we have mentioned before, the 2017 CR-V is based on Honda’s latest global compact platform and courtesy of it, the CR-V has grown nearly 38mm in length. And with shorter overhangs along with wheels placed to the extremities, the wheelbase of the new SUV has grown by a whopping 40mm.   

Interiors and Features 

As is the case with the exterior, the 2017 CR-V features completely redesigned interiors, incorporating upgraded materials such as a new soft-touch instrument panel and more intricately stitched seats. The cabin shares its bits and pieces with the latest Hondas, again largely with the Civic. However, the essence of the previous generations of the CR-V has been retained with elements like the dash-mounted gearshift lever. 

In terms of features, the CR-V will come with a digital central instrument cluster display borrowed from the Civic. It will offer Honda’s latest seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which protrudes out of the dashboard. The unit offers updated Honda satellite-linked navigation system (developed in co-operation with Garmin) along with support for Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.

Rest of the new features in the 2017 CR-V include remote engine start, dual-zone climate controls, heated side mirrors, an EPB (electric parking brake), rear USB charging ports, front passenger seats with four-way power adjustment and driver's seat with eight-way power adjustment and four-way power lumbar support along with heated front seats. 

Besides the regular features such as multiple airbags and ABS (anti-lock braking system), the new safety equipment in the 2017 CR-V will include an updated Honda Sensing Suite (not available in India). The Suite will come with CMBS (collision mitigation braking) with (FCW) forward collision warning and pedestrian-sensing capability, RDM (road departure mitigation) with LDW (lane departure warning), ACC (adaptive cruise control) with low-speed follow and LKAS (lane keeping assist). Rest of the features will be carried forward from the previous model. 

Mechanicals 

The 2017 CR-V will offer turbocharged petrol for the first time ever since its inception in 1997. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo, a direct-injected, turbocharged petrol producing 190PS of max power and 242Nm of max torque. It will also come with the carried over 2.4-litre i-VTEC motor featuring direct-injection 184PS, while the torque remains similar to the 1.5-litre turbo. Both engines will be mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic and it comes with an option of FWD (front-wheel-drive) or AWD (all-wheel-drive) drivetrain. 

The European version of the 2017 CR-V will also have a diesel option as well along with these petrol motors, like the fourth generation model. We also expect that Honda will offer a diesel with the fifth-generation model of the SUV in India. 

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