IF peace of mind is what you're looking for on your long drives, then you may want to consider getting a hybrid vehicle.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) usually consist of an internal combustion engine (ICE) paired with a battery motor to alternate in function between the two power sources.
This combo gives the vehicle an extended range from what is usually offered when an ICE or battery electric vehicle (BEV) works individually.
Participants of Honda's recent drive involving its sixth-generation Comfortable Runabout Vehicle (CR-V) got a taste of the hybrid powertrain via the locally launched e:HEV RS variant.
Unlike the Civic e:HEV RS that was more geared towards performance, Honda tuned the CR-V e:HEV RS' hybrid engine to be more driven by comfort.
This is to better match the CR-V's characteristics as a family carrier.
Personally, the hybrid build works best for the CR-V because of the afforded range and comfort-centric cabin. The two qualities go a long way in providing an elevated experience for its passengers.
Much like the brand's other models, the two-wheel drive (2WD) e:HEV RS sits at the top of the line-up as the premium variant with a price of RM195,900, which is around RM14,000 more than the top-range non-hybrid variant.
The three other variants are the S, E and V, which are priced (on-the-road without insurance) from RM159,900, RM169,900 and RM181,900, respectively..
It has a three-mode Drive System and unlike the standard 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine, the CR-V e:HEV RS is powered by a new generation 2.0L e:HEV powertrain.
It is the first model among Honda's lineup to receive an e:HEV powertrain with an improved Hybrid Traction Motor that is paired with an electric continuous variable transmission (e:CVT) that delivers 184PS and 335Nm of maximum torque.
As with all RS variants, the CR-V e:HEV has a bolder aesthetic compared to the other variants: full LED headlights and tail-lights, front LED sequential turn signals, active cornering lights, a tailpipe chrome finisher, front grille with a bold mesh pattern and Berlina Black 18-inch Alloy Wheels.
It also has a set of roof rails and body-coloured front and rear lower bumpers, as well as side cladding. It is a first for the model to come with an active shutter grille that is mounted on the front lower bumper for enhanced aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The cabin houses a 10.2-inch TFT Meter, Bose premium sound system with 12 Speakers, head up display, a wireless charger, two USB ports in the front and rear, a nine-inch Advanced Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an eight-way driver power seat with two-position memory, and rear passenger sliding seats that can recline at eight different angles.
The boot has a 589-litre capacity and is accompanied by a hands-free power tailgate with walkaway close function.
The five colour options are Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic, and an all-new Canyon River Blue Metallic.
