RW CR-V

Truly all new, the fifth-generation CR-V adopted Honda’s Earth Dreams philosophy of efficient eco engineering first used by the 2016 Civic small car.

Better equipped, packaged and performing, the RW series was also the first to offer a seven-seater configuration, but dropped the manual and diesel options.

Built in Thailand, it was dimensionally longer (by 11mm to 4596mm), wider (by 35mm to 1855mm) and taller (by 6mm to 1689mm in the AWD) than its 2012-era predecessor, and boasted a larger footprint too, thanks to 40mm longer wheelbase (rated at 2660mm).

Though the MacPherson strut-style front and multi-link rear suspension designs mirrored the contemporary Civic, no components were shared. One big goal was to cut noise, vibration and harshness pathways, to make the CR-V quieter than before.

Under the bonnet was a 1.5-litre twin-cam direct-injection turbocharged unit with dual variable timing control delivering 140kW of power at 5600rpm and 240Nm of torque. Whether driving the front or all four wheels, the only gearbox available was a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Honda says it worked on creating a more sophisticated interior, with better vision, higher-quality materials, more sound deadening and improved ergonomics.