2018 Honda CR-V: 3 things to know
Honda has launched the all-new CR-V in India at prices starting at Rs 28.15 lakh, going up to Rs 32.75 lakh (ex-showroom). Immediately the CR-V has its work cut out for it, since it takes on full-size SUVs, with traditional SUV styling, which the market seems to prefer. However, the new CR-V is offered with a diesel engine for the first time, and seven seats, also a new addition to the brand. With all that in mind, here's what we think you should know about the all-new Honda CR-V to make your decision easier.
Looks
It's in your face â€" that's either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on who you're asking. The all-new Honda CR-V definitely comes off as a Honda, with the company's updated design philosophy having resulted in a bold and striking crossover SUV. Longer, wider and taller than the previous gen CR-V, it's still of a manageable size, it's overall length of 4,592mm being about 100mm shorter than a Skoda Kodiaq, or 300mm shorter than a Ford Endeavour. Ground clearance differs for the petrol and diesel, the former having 198mm of it, while the latter boasts of 208mm.
Comfort
The Honda CR-V is of a monocoque construction, like it always has been. However, Honda claims it's the most sophisticated chassis ever created for the SUV. It utilises McPherson struts at the front, and a multi link setup at the rear, with frequency selective dampers. These use a twin circuit for damping duties, being able to filter out the small, high frequency bumps (like road undulations) along with larger, low frequency bumps (like potholes) to result in a smooth ride. Seating is quite comfortable as well, both in the front and in the second row. The third row is best left for children, since kneeroom is quite limited. NVH levels are very well controlled, and any questions about Honda's ability to make a refined diesel are put to a swift rest. You can read our detailed impressions here.
Variants & competition
You have a choice of two engines â€" petrol or diesel. What's worth keeping in mind is that if you have your mind set on seven seats, or 4WD, you'll have to choose the diesel â€" the petrol model is only available as a 2WD with five seats. The petrol is the 2-litre SOHC i-VTEC carried over from before, producing 154PS and 189Nm torque, mated to a six-speed CVT. The diesel is a brand new 1.6-litre DOHC i-DTEC unit, producing 120PS and 300Nm torque, run by a nine-speed torque converter automatic. The petrol 2WD retails for Rs 28.15 lakh, while the diesel 2WD is priced at Rs 30.65 lakh, and the diesel 4WD is Rs 32.75 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). These are the only three variants on sale, and all are fully loaded. Some features like the sliding second row seats, third row AC vents and paddleshifters are specific to the diesel model. In comparison, the top-spec VW Tiguan Highline is priced at Rs 30.87 lakh (ex-showroom) and features a 2-litre diesel with 4WD, but is smaller in dimensions and is strictly a five-seater. At the more SUV-end of the spectrum, the top-spec Ford Endeavour 3.2 is priced at Rs 33.1 lakh (ex-showroom) but boasts of a 3.2-litre engine and much more space.
Also see: 2018 Honda CR-V diesel | First Drive Review