Honda reveals CR-V

HERE is the all-new Honda CR-V, as revealed by Automotive NetWorks three weeks ago.

The official pictures show Honda has adopted an evolutionary approach in updating its popular off-roader, carrying over the proportions and most of the styling cues of the existing model.

Given the CR-V's significant contribution to Honda Australia's sales, the local subsidiary is keen to secure the new model "as soon as possible".

It goes on sale in the US on November 12 but is unlikely to arrive here until the first quarter of next year, according to Honda Australia spokesperson Shayna Welsh.

Company insiders say a launch early next year is preferable to releasing the vehicle in the lead-up to Christmas - as its impact would be lost in the festive season.

Although no technical information as been released yet, it is believed the new CR-V has grown in size slightly to meet the challenge posed by the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape - launched earlier this year - and Nissan's imminent X-Trail.

The vehicle's extra bulk should be offset by added grunt from a new 2.4-litre iVTEC low-emission engine in place of the 2.0-litre unit that motivates the existing model.

Expect an increase in power from 108kW to in excess of 120kW, along with a corresponding hike in torque.

The newcomer shares its underpinnings with the seventh generation Civic, which means the current CR-V's sophisticated double A-arm wishbone front suspension is ditched in favour of a more conventional coil springs/strut set-up.

A compact new double wishbone set-up at the rear may help increase luggage space.

The CR-V is believed to embrace the same cab-forward, high-roofed layout as the Civic and it is also likely to feature a walk-thru front-seat arrangement.

The compact off-roader was a huge success for Honda last year, notching up 12,866 sales to topple the Toyota LandCruiser as the biggest selling four-wheel driver in Australia.

But its charge has wilted this year in the face of fresher, newer opposition.