HONDA has been applying its new design language to its latest models with great effect and returning models may as well be new given the update they've received.
That's not to say that Honda just slapped on a familiar name to said vehicle since it does have traces of its roots.
Honda has always given extra care to its Comfortable Runabout Vehicle (CR-V) model as it is dear to many. This time round, the sport utility vehicle (SUV) has an almost entirely fresh look.
CUSTOM CARE
The sixth-generation CR-V is bigger and wider than its predecessor, with a length of 4,691mm, height of 1,681mm and width of 1,866mm. It has a wheelbase of 2,701mm.
It is available in four variants (S, E, V and RS) divided between the 2.0L e:HEV and 1.5L VTEC turbocharged powertrains.
The e:HEV powertrain delivers 184PS of maximum power and 335Nm of torque. 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 continuously variable transmission (e:CVT).
It is also the first model to come with an Active Shutter Grille that is mounted on the front lower bumper for enhanced aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The advanced 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine is paired with an advanced CVT that delivers a maximum 193PS and peak torque of 243Nm. Only the RS variant comes with the 2.0L e:HEV engine.
The V variant has the all-wheel drive (AWD) system while the others get the two-wheel drive (2WD) system,
All variants have a three-mode drive system.
One stark difference over the previous generation is that the latest model does not come in a seven-seater configuration. Instead all variants come in a five-seater setup due to market demand.
Variants E and above comes with leather-trimmed seats, eight-way driver power seat with two-position memory, an additional front USB-C Port, a nine-inch advanced display audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless charger, hands-free power tailgate with walkaway close, and Honda LaneWatch.
The V and e:HEV RS variants offer interior ambient lighting and have a tailpipe chrome finisher.
As with all of Honda's 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, 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 the 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 RS variant comes with a bold mesh pattern front grille, full LED headlights and tail-lights, LED front fog lights, front LED sequential turn signals, Berlina Black 18-inch alloy wheels, active cornering lights, adaptive driving beam, 10.2-inch TFT Meter, Bose Premium Sound System with 12 Speakers, head-up display (HUD), smart key card, and a 360-degree multi-view camera system.
The safety features for all variants include a total of eight airbags with the inclusion of two knee airbags, Honda Connect, Honda Sensing system with a wide-angle radar, camera and sonar sensor and nine driver-assist safety functions.
Boot capacity is 589 litres when the rear seats are up and 1,072 litres when the seats are laid flat.
The 2WD e:HEV RS, as the premium variant, is priced at RM195,900, which is at least RM14,000 more than the top-range non-hybrid variant.
The three other variants are priced at RM159,900 (S), RM169,900 (E), and RM181,900 (V), all on-the-road without insurance.
The five colour options are: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic, and all-new Canyon River Blue Metallic.
RIGHT VIBE
For years, Malaysians have come to know Honda for its many memorable models.
The CR-V, despite its sporty design, always has a reputation more grounded as a people carrier. To this day, the model remains as a reliable family-oriented SUV.
But these days, being a people-mover alone is not going to cut it.
This is evident with Honda's choice to remove the seven-seater option for the sixth-generation CR-V, a decision made based on the company's survey.
As such, Honda would have to bring its A-game if it wanted the CR-V to continue succeeding.
As hinted, the answer is in the company's new design trademark. Honda managed to apply it to its models for different intended characteristics.
The new City and WR-V, for example, have a modernised Japanese domestic market (JDM) look while the latest Civic has a continental silhouette, ala German.
Honda's tinkering with the CR-V has given the SUV a "classy" upgrade that is clearly Swedish-inspired by design. The vehicle has toned down on its curves and gained more edges for a sharper look.
This is an excellent decision that has given the model a much-needed advantage in the looks department.
The previous-generation CR-V design was mostly okay-average while the new one is modern-mature. Imagine owning a Japanese Scandinavian-looking SUV priced below RM200,000.
These characteristics are also reflected in the model's properties.
Honda Malaysia has said the CR-V e:HEV RS' hybrid engine, for example, is tuned to be more comfort-driven, unlike the Civic e:HEV RS that is more geared towards performance.
As this is to better match the CR-V's characteristics as a family carrier, don't expect the CR-V to run alongside the Civic in a match-up.
If range and economy are your main concerns, then the hybrid build works best because of the afforded range and comfort-centric cabin. The two qualities go a long way in providing an elevated experience for the passengers; semi-reclining seats for the rear passengers take the cake here.
However, priority in performance over practicality falls to the 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine variants. This writer prefers it for the power-balance it brings to the CR-V and addresses the age-old underpower complaint of the previous generations.
VERDICT
Regardless of your powertrain choice, the sixth-generation CR-V is an improvement in every way from its predecessor.
This is also the one time the writer has found the CR-V to be a very much more interesting SUV to consider outside of the model's casual family-centric purpose.
Vastly improved design with a choice for performance (the turbocharged and e:HEV engines are akin to fun versus economical, respectively) with updated comfort features make it hard to go back a generation and see it as an equal model.
One trade-off is the steeper price tags, especially if you're looking at the premium e:HEV variant.
This may have been a necessary step with the CR-V taking over the helm as Honda Malaysia's new top model.
This is the CR-V at its finest. Best of all, the duality of its powertrain means you've great choices.
