HONDA Cars Phils. Inc. (HCPI) recently launched the updated version of the fourth-generation Honda CR-V now endowed with bolder styling, great-to-have convenience features and advanced safety equipment.
“We are confident that the new CR-V will meet the demands of the discerning customers who are looking for a smart SUV [sport-utility vehicle] 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 Toshio Kuwahara, HCPI president and general manager, during the launch held at Enderun Colleges in Taguig City.
The biggest changes to the 2015 CR-V’s exterior are most evident from the front end. Large LED daytime running lights (DRL) surrounding the main headlight clusters, a sharply sculpted bumper with fog lamps and a honeycomb grille with horizontal louvers announce this compact crossover’s arrival. DRLs help make the CR-V more visible from afar even in broad daylight, helping reduce the chances of the CR-V getting involved in an accident.
At the rear end, a chrome garnish on the liftgate and metallic trim on the bumper highlight the changes. Sporty new 10-spoke 17-inch wheels for the top-of-the-line 2.4 SX variant complete the exterior overhaul. Bolder colors such as Copper Sunset Pearl and Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic further help make the CR-V more eye-catching.
The passenger-side sideview mirror of the 2.4 SX also looks a bit different because of the LaneWatch camera mounted on it.
LaneWatch is Honda-speak for its blind spot-monitoring technology. A video of the vehicle’s blind spot taken by the LaneWatch camera appears on the infotainment system’s 7-inch touchscreen as soon as the driver turns on the right-turn signal. LaneWatch can also be configured to display the video of a vehicle in the blind spot automatically. The new CR-V is the first locally available Honda model to be equipped with LaneWatch.
Other features available only on the 2.4 SX include a navigation system, auto on/off headlights, auto rain-sensing wipers, and a driver-side eight-way power seat.
One step down the CR-V lineup is the midlevel 2.0 S. Key features it shares with the 2.4 SX include smart keyless-entry system, push-button engine start/stop, hill start assist, emergency stop signal brake lights that blink rapidly during sudden braking, projector-type HID headlamps, auto dimming rear-view mirror, paddle shifters, side airbags, leather interior, Bluetooth audio connectivity, hands-free telephone, and vehicle stability assist (VSA). VSA—one of the most important safety innvovations in recent years—automatically applies the brakes and/or cuts engine power when electronic sensors detect that the car is about to veer from its intended path and go into excessive understeer or oversteer.
The 2.0 V may be the base variant but it isn’t spartan at all as it shares the following features with the rest of the CR-V lineup: trip computer, cruise control, reverse camera, and air con vents for the rear passengers, and the Eco-assist system that helps the driver consume less fuel. At the push of the Econ button, the Eco-assist system revises automatic transmission and throttle pedal response as well as air conditioner settings to favor fuel efficiency.
The trip computer displays fuel consumption numbers, average speed and vehicle range with the fuel remaining.
Providing the motivation for the 2.4 SX is a tried and tested 2.4-liter i-VTEC gas engine that generates 185 ps peak output and 220 Nm peak torque. The four-cylinder powerplant is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Power and torque are directed to the front wheels by default but the four-wheel drive system can divert some of those to the rear wheels during low-traction situations, such as driving on muddy terrain.
The launch of the 2015 CR-V models caps a big year for the Japanese carmaker as the past 12 months saw an overhaul of practically the entire HCPI model lineup.
Earlier this year, HCPI launched the all-new Accord, City, Jazz, Brio and Brio Amaze, while the Civic underwent its mid-cycle refresh. Only the Pilot and Odyssey carry on with no major upgrades for the year.
Prices for the 2015 CR-V are P1.313 million (2.0 V MT), P1.353 million (2.0 V AT), P1.483 million (2.0 S AT), and P1.673 million (2.4 SX AT).
Story & photos by Eric Ayrton S. Soriano