Honda adds AEB to one more CR-V variant

 

HONDA Australia has begun delivering on its promise to introduce a range-wide suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), with a second CR-V variant to pick up the active safety technologies from January.

 

As a result, both all-wheel-drive CR-V variants will feature the Japanese brand’s ADAS, dubbed Honda Sensing, with the VTi-S grade joining the VTi-LX flagship that has offered the suite since the fifth-generation model’s launch in July last year.

 

However, front-wheel-drive versions will continue to miss out on this kit, even as an option, due to the pairing’s unavailability out of the Thai plant where the Australian-market CR-V is sourced.

 

Honda Australia public relations manager Naomi Rebeschini told GoAuto that front-wheel-drive variants will eventually gain access to Honda Sensing but all-wheel-drive versions were prioritised.

 

“We are working hard to add Honda Sensing to the CR-V range as soon as possible,” she said. “In this instance, we have worked with our factory to equip all-wheel-drive variants of CR-V first and then will roll out across the remaining CR-V range.”

 

Similarly, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert do not form part of Honda Sensing in Australia, despite their availability in Europe. Instead, a passenger-side blind-spot camera, dubbed LaneWatch, is standard across some model ranges, including the CR-V.

 

As reported, Australian-market Honda Sensing extends to forward collision warning and AEB with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keep and steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality.

 

This upgrade in standard equipment will not come free, with the VTi-S’ list price to climb by $1000, to $36,490 before on-road costs. Nonetheless, there will be no change in pricing for the five other CR-V variants, which will not be upgraded in any way.

 

According to Honda Australia director Stephen Collins, the company remains committed to its Honda Sensing plans announced in May, with the suite currently available across select variants of the CR-V, Civic small car, Accord mid-size sedan and Odyssey people-mover.

 

“This is another step closer to our commitment of having Honda Sensing across our range in 2022,” he said.

 

“Honda Sensing will be introduced at each full-model change, and wherever possible, we’ll add to individual models in our line-up, such as this CR-V.”

 

Earlier this year, Mr Collins admitted to journalists that Honda Australia has been slower than most of its rivals in rolling out ADAS but was optimistic about its plans.

 

“While we are not first to market with this technology, we strive to ensure we are best to market,” he said.

 

“I’m confident that our Honda Sensing package will provide Australian consumers with a system that is intuitive and effective in its role of driver assistance.”

 

Aside from the addition of Honda Sensing, standard equipment will remain the same in the CR-V VTi-S, which already includes 18-inch alloy wheels and a power-operated tailgate.

 

Inside, keyless entry and start, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, satellite navigation and dual-zone climate control feature.

 

The VTI-S is motivated by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 140kW of power at 5600rpm and 240Nm of torque from 2000 to 5000rpm. This unit is exclusively matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

 

Sales of the CR-V have boomed this year, with 13,610 examples sold to the end of October – a massive 86.6 per cent increase over the 7295 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.

 

As such, the CR-V is now the fifth best-selling mid-size SUV in the sub-$60,000 segment, trailing the Mazda CX-5 (22,185 units), Toyota RAV4 (18,500), Nissan X-Trail (17,589) and Hyundai Tucson (16,713) but ahead of the Mitsubishi Outlander (13,332) and Kia Sportage (11,843).