AIMS: Honda CR-V undercuts rivals

HONDA’S crucial new CR-V will arrive in Australian showrooms next month with the availability of two-wheel drive for the first time and a starting price that will undercut its main rivals.

At $27,490 (plus on-roads) for the 2WD VTi, the CR-V not only undercuts its own previous entry-level model by $600, it will also be cheaper than the equivalent 2WD versions of the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Holden Captiva 5 and the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander that was also unveiled at the Sydney motor show today.

The introduction of 2WD models to the CR-V range is expected to boost the appeal of the mid-size SUV and ensure it is better placed to battle the new segment-leading Mazda CX-5 when the Honda goes on sale in mid-November.

Comprehensively redesigned, the new fourth-generation CR-V has a bolder look than the model it replaces and a restyled interior, with “a significant reduction in the engine and road noise entering the cabin”.

In line with other Honda models, the current Standard, Sport and Luxury model specifications will be replaced with VTi, VTi-S and VTi-L.

Initially, all models in the CR-V range will be sourced from Honda’s Thailand factory and feature a choice of two petrol engines until the arrival early next year of the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel version that will be built in the UK.

All 2WD models will be powered by Honda’s 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine that delivers 114kW of power and 190Nm of torque while managing combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.8 litres per 100km for the manual and 7.7L/100km for the auto.

The four-wheel-drive CR-V gets a 2.4-litre engine that produces 140kW and 222Nm, is available with a six-speed automatic transmission only and delivers 8.7L/100km.

CR-V project leader Ryouji Nakagawa said the latest model would set a new standard for mid-size SUVs.

“For the new CR-V, we have now achieved a perfect, centred balance between the efficiency of a car and the functionality and security of an SUV,” he said. “In doing so, we have created a model that is efficient, versatile and capable.”

Standard equipment on the new CR-V includes front, side and curtain airbags and a reversing camera, helping it achieve a maximum ANCAP five-star safety rating.

The mid-spec VTi-S model gets dual-zone climate-control, sat-nav and a leather-bound steering wheel, while the top-of-the-range VTi-L adds an electric sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels.

2012 Honda CR-V pricing*

2WD VTi	$27,490
2WD VTi (a)	$29,790
2WD VTi with navigation (a)	$31,790
4WD VTi (a)	$32,790
4WD VTi-S (a)	$36,290
4WD VTi-L (a)	$42,290

*Plus on-road costs