2017 Honda CR-V Breaks Cover

Honda knows how to engineer a car for that fulfils its purpose. But with the CR-V, it never really managed to get the recipe right. It has always been far from the best-looking, the most-potent or the most-affordable SUV in its segment. However, with the fifth-gen CR-V, Honda plans to unsettle its competition around the world.

Say hello to the 2017 Honda CR-V, which, Honda says, has been redesigned and re-engineered from the ground-up. The company says that the new CR-V has been developed to deliver more on every front – be it performance, space, fuel efficiency or premium content.

On the outside, the fifth-gen CR-V has gone for a butch look to check the first box in the SUV-designing recipe. From the front, it echoes the design aesthetics of its smaller sibling, the BR-V, but with a lot more flair. The sweeping headlights with the wing-shaped LED daylight running lights come in all trims; and with the wide, muscular fenders, it looks much more appealing as a utility vehicle. The new CR-V also supports a longer wheelbase, shorter rear overhang and dual exhausts. Honda has also redesigned the alloy wheels to complete the overhaul of the looks.

The CR-V has always been below par when it came to the creature comforts it offered to its occupants. That is also set to change since the 2017 model gets an electrically operated tailgate, a Honda-first Automatic Shutter Grille System that helps in reducing the aerodynamic drag, rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, and chrome garnishing all around.

Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the cabin has also become more accommodating. The soft-touch leather wraps around most of the interior panels to deliver an upmarket feel. On the goodies front, a seven-inch TFT screen replaces the old-school analogue meters behind the steering wheel. In the centre of the dashboard is another seven-inch touchscreen display which works on an Andrioid operating system. Before you ask, yes it will support both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While the screen helps in navigating the audio system and other features of the SUV, it also boasts Honda’s new satellite-linked navigation system, co-developed with GPS experts at Garmin. Other features include voice-command system, dual-zone climate control, heated side mirrors, remote engine start, electrically adjustable seats and USB charging ports for the rear passengers.

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Another issue that has forever plagued the CR-V is the unavailability of a diesel engine. Based on market requirements around the globe, especially in India, the Japanese carmaker will introduce a diesel mill in the big SUV. No details regarding the engine family for India have surfaced yet; but for the US, where the new CR-V will be launched by the end of this year, there will be a brand-new 1.5-litre turbocharged DOHC and direct-injected four-pot powerplant which will pump out 192PS of power. While there will be a manual transmission on offer, Honda’s favourite CVT (continuously variable transmission) will also make it to the car’s feature list. The car will get an option to send the power to just the front wheels or to all four. 

Other mind-boggling features will include collision mitigation braking with front collision warning, road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot information, rear cross traffic monitor and auto high beam headlights. While all this is surely a mouthful and a half, what features will make it to Indian shores remains unknown.