CR-V here next month from $44,500 driveaway

HONDA will launch its all-new CR-V in Australia next month priced from $44,500 driveaway.

The range now starts some $8600 more than the recommended retail price of the outgoing entry point to the range, the CR-V Vi two-wheel drive, with variances between current offerings and the new drive-away price ranging between $2600 and $5100.

The range-topping e:HEV RS (hybrid) is priced at $59,900 drive-away, or $6300 more than the recommended retail price of the outgoing VTi-LX AWD flagship.

Promising more technology, safety, and style than before, the seven-variant range offers petrol and petrol-electric hybrid power – a CR-V first – as well as the choice of five- and seven-seat cabin configurations, and the option of two- or all-wheel drive.

Petrol variants of the new Honda CR-V feature a familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder unit with an expected 127kW/220Nm at the flywheel, while the two-wheel drive e:HEV (hybrid) offering combines a 2.0-litre petrol four with dual electric motors for an expected combined output of 135kW/315Nm.

Honda Australia says fuel economy, driving performance and environmental output have been significantly enhanced in the new CR-V but has yet to detail specifications, fuel consumption or CO2 emissions. Those details are expected to come closer to the model’s September 1 launch.

Like the Civic on which it is based, the CR-V is said to offer an improved eye point and driving position to drivers, and a lower hip point to make it easier to get in and out.

All variants will be backed by Honda’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty and inclusive five-year capped-price servicing and roadside assistance program.

“For the first time in Australia, we will be launching the all- new CR-V with an e:HEV Hybrid powertrain,” said Honda Australia director, Carolyn McMahon.

“This addition to Honda Australia’s line-up will strengthen our hybrid offering and provide customers even more choice when considering their next Honda purchase.

“Honda’s e:HEV hybrid powertrain has become increasingly popular across the Accord, Civic, Honda ZR-V and HR-V ranges, delivering a dynamic combination of performance and efficiency.

“Honda Australia is extremely excited to be launching the all-new CR-V to the Australian market, as this nameplate has been a consumer favourite since its introduction to the Australian market 26 years ago.

“This next generation CR-V has evolved with family needs and offers everything our customers love about the outgoing model and more. Including increased cabin space, five and seven seating options, 2WD and AWD drive systems and appealing driveability across the range”.

To the end of June, Honda has sold 5022 examples of the CR-V, placing it ninth within the Medium SUV under $60K segment.

The segment is topped by the Toyota RAV4 (with 13,523 unit sales) followed by the Mazda CX-5 (11,607), Mitsubishi Outlander (11,342), Hyundai Tucson (10,749), Subaru Forester (8321), Kia Sportage (6584), BYD Atto 3 (6196), and Nissan X-Trail (5355).

Tenth place is held by the MG HS with 4664 unit sales.

Ms McMahon said Honda Centres are now taking customer deposits for CR-V orders ahead of the September 1 on-sale date.

2023 Honda CR-V pricing*:

*National driveaway price; increases shown are over previous RRP.