7 February 2011
Honda has re-launched itself into the SUV market with the introduction of the third generation CRV. Since its NZ debut in 1996, the CRV (short for Comfortable Recreational Vehicle) has firmly established itself as one of the most popular vehicles in this ever-increasing and popular market segment.
New Zealand was in fact the first country to sell the CRV outside Japan with a domestic model originally launched into the Kiwi market.
Competition in 1996 however was mainly limited to the Toyota RAV4 and both enjoyed run away success from motorists looking for the subtle aspects of off-roading rather than the full on bush bashing machinery that other manufacturers offered at the time.
Motorists were able to discover the pleasures of having a comfortable, roomy, versatile, unobtrusive, safe and economical vehicle, which could handle a trip to the ski field and mild mud tracks with ease. Argue all you like over the limitations of these types of vehicles, reality and sales figures highlight the fact that the majority of the motoring public preferred the CRV / RAV4 concept over any other type of 4WD vehicle.
So popular has this concept been that it is hard to find a manufacturer who doesn't now compete in this segment of the market. The success of the CRV for the Honda Motor Co can be judged by the fact it has become one of its best-selling vehicles on a global scale with approximately 2.5 million sales in 160 different countries to date.
Eager to maintain its loyal following and compete at the top end of this hotly contested market segment, the all-new CRV has been designed to improve on refinement and sophistication while maintaining the simplicity and practicality its reputation has been built on.
Built on a platform which Honda NZ staff say is loosely based around the Civic, the overall length of the CRV has been decreased by 76mm (due mostly to the relocation of the spare wheel from the tailgate to underneath the rear cargo area) while the exterior width has increased by 10mm to 1820mm. Wheelbase is identical at 2620mm. The picnic table, a unique feature tucked away in the rear floor pan of the CRV for many years, has been deleted on the new model. Overall the vehicle weighs in around 77 kg heavier than previous (depending on model selected). Towing capacity is set at 1500kg.
The i-VTEC 4-cylinder Dual-Overhead Camshaft engine, which comes from the Accord Euro, retains the same 2.4 litres as the previous model but power has been increased by 7kW to peak at 125kW @5,800rpm. Torque is less than the previous CRV producing 218Nm (minus 6Nm) @4200rpm, however it is a flatter, broader torque curve than previous. Claimed fuel consumption figures of 10.0 litres per 100kms (28mpg) for the manual (decrease of 5.3%) and automatic (no change) on 91 octane fuel are competitive in the petrol stakes, but Honda NZ may find prospective buyers looking at comparisons with diesel options such is the competition in this class at present. A diesel power unit is not part of any immediate future plans for the CRV in New Zealand.
A 5-speed automatic transmission is available on all CRVs, and a new 6-speed manual is available on Rvi and Rvi Plus models.
Major safety enhancements to the CRV come in the airbag areas. Dual stage driver and passenger air bags, side curtain airbags, active front seat head restraints and driver and passenger side air bags are all standard across the range. An innovative occupant position detection system (OPDS) is used to assure the passenger side airbag has a clear path for deployment. In the event of a small child (or a small-statured adult) leans into the deployment path, an electronic control unit will deactivate the airbag until the occupant returns to a normal seating position.
Side curtain airbags will maintain full inflation for approximately three seconds in the event of a rollover. Where a sufficient side impact is encountered that does not result in a roll over only the airbags on the impact side of the vehicle will deploy. Combined with Honda's exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, lower centre-of-gravity (-35mm) and with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) fitted across the entire range, the vehicle is hard to beat when it comes to safety. An ISOFIX child-seat mounting system is included for all rear seat positions.
Other major improvements come via the Real Time 4WD system with a 20 percent improved torque transfer to the rear wheels Even the most devoted 'real' four wheel drive fan will find the Honda hard to fault on the majority of slippery surfaces.
Major improvements in Noise, Vibration and Harshness were evident during our press day drive.
Occupant comforts include dual climate control, leather trimmed tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel with integrated cruise and audio controls, in-dash 6disc CD changer with six speakers and speed sensing volume adjustment.
On the exterior, alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, retractable and heated door mirrors, and a four sensor reversing proximity warning system are all standard across the range.
The Sport variant gains leather interior, sunroof and power driver's seat. Rvi Plus models feature front and rear metal skid plates, a honeycomb sports grill, side steps and a tailgate spoiler. Pricing ranges from $38,400 to $46,500.
All prices are based around Honda's no discount one price for all policy and for every new vehicle sold, ten native trees are planted as part of their environmental programme. One has to ask why is it taking so long to revise their service schedules (12months/10,000kms whichever occurs first), which are falling behind other manufacturers many of who have increased their servicing to 15,000kms / 12 months or longer. Less servicing can only benefit both the environment and the customer.