New Honda CR-V Launching in India in Early 2013; No Diesel Version

Honda that launched the new generation Honda CR-V in the UK last month is planning to launch the vehicle in India as well. We brought you the official images and details about the car back in September 2012, now our sources tell us that the fourth-generation CR-V will be here in India in the first quarter of 2013, most probably in January or February. It has got better in most departments than its predecessors be it the quality, practicality or refinement. Although nothing on the pricing has been announced, but they will be announced soon when the launch comes closer.

The all new CR-V, which is available in both petrol and diesel engine options in the UK, will only come to India in the petrol version only. If we talk about the dimensions, the new generation CR-V has got shorter and a lesser in length than the outgoing version. For the first time, the CR-V will be available with a choice of both two and four-wheel drive option Compared to the previous generation CR-V, the new model takes on a more assertive and aerodynamic stance with a bolder nose section. The front bumper is joined by a horizontal three-bar grille and deep-set headlights. The lower front bumper is designed to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle.

The CR-V’s signature vertical rear brake lights, which debuted on the original model, remain but introduce a more three-dimensional style. The CR-V’s large wheels and bold wheel arches further emphasise its dynamic presence and capability. Explaining the exterior design, Manabu Konaka explains, “The CR-V has always been a car for every occasion. It can be both casual and formal, but the appearance must always convey solidity and reliability.” The length and height of the car have been reduced by 5mm and 30mm respectively compared with the current model, without reducing the interior space.

With the rear seats folded flat, the boot capacity of the CR-V has grown by 148 litres to 1648 litres and with the seats folded up, the boot capacity is a capacious 589 litres. The load length has been increased by 140mm to 1570mm, while the height of the load lip has been reduced by 25mm to make it easier to load heavy or awkward items.

The boot of the CR-V can now accommodate two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs. Interior of the vehicle too is equally impressive having good space, high quality finish, improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), Whiplash Mitigation Front Seat Design, one motion, easy fold-down seats and many other exciting features. “The first thing that we wanted to achieve with the interior design was a feeling of openness,” says the Interior Designer, Takehiro Ishibashi.

Speaking more on the fascia design Nakagawa added, “There are a number of horizontal layers which help emphasise the feeling of space,” says. “We call this ‘lean-layered’ design. By arranging the major functions in a series of layers, you create an ergonomically-efficient environment that is very intuitive.” “This is a feature of which I am particularly proud,” says Ishibashi. “It will make a big difference to how our customers use their CR-V.”, he further adds.

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