2007 Honda CR-V: New Style, New Safety

Motoring Channel Staff - 30/Jan/2007

Melbourne, Australia — Priced from just under $32,000, Honda has launched its new compact AWD, the third generation CR-V. With a modern new look, a more powerful engine, and new safety systems, the 2007 Honda CR-V will take the fight directly to the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester.

This new compact AWD from Honda celebrates its tenth year in Australia in 2007, after being launched in 1997. In 2000 it went on to become Australia's number one selling SUV, beating both the Toyota Landcruiser and Nissan Patrol. The vehicle is an important part of the current Honda Australia range, and even in 2006 it was one of the better performers in its class.

The new Japanese soft roader will arriving in Honda dealership on the 15th of February, and two areas have been the focus of the new third generation model: safety levels and car-like ride and handling.

As well as the inclusion of Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) across the range, Honda has confirmed that front and side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), Active Front Head Restraints and ABS brakes, and a stronger body shell make for greater safety protection in a crash.

All these features are standard across the three model range, which are standard with 6-speed manual gearboxes (automatic costs an extra $2,000):

• CR-V: $31,990

• CR-V Sport: $37,490

• CR-V Luxury: $39,990

The CR-V Sport and Luxury models gain curtain airbags that protect both front and rear passengers, plus they get a bit more jewellery around the grille and front apron and alloy wheels.

The innovative new CR-V is 30mm wider than its forebear and has a lower centre of gravity, reduced by 35mm, and changes to the to steering and suspension geometry have all helped to enhance the CR-V's handling characteristics, claims Honda, and that steering response is faster and feels more direct, while directional stability is also improved thanks to the larger wheels and chassis upgrades.

All three variants feature a 2.4-litre dual overhead cam i-VTEC engines with 125kW of power, which is up 7kW over the previous car. Honda also claims that an improved Real-Time 4WD system gives the car more stability, especially on slippery road surfaces.

The new 4-cylinder engine also has higher torque levels, now rated at 218Nm. Honda says the torque curve is flatter than the outgoing model, which is important in regards to acceleration and general driving. Paired with this 2.4-litre engine is the choice of a new 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission with a Drive-by-Wire throttle. Here are the engine's vital statistics:

Power: 125kW @ 5800rpm
Torque: 218kW @ 4200rpm
Redline: 6500rpm

Fuel economy is a claimed 10 litres per 100km (10L/100km) and is achieved running on standard 91 RON fuel, Honda says.

Like the Honda Odyssey, the new The CR-V has a lower centre of gravity, the track is wider and the chassis has been stiffened for better handling. Honda even claims that it benchmarked the new model against sedans, rather than SUVs, and the result is agile, car-like handling with the space and comfort of an SUV.

The CR-V features independent suspension all round - MacPherson struts up front and multi-link rear suspension - and all models come as standard with large 17-inch wheels (made from steel for entry-level models, and alloys for Sport and Luxury grades).

In European regions, some versions of the new Honda CR-V come standard with 18-inch wheels for even better handling, but no word on whether Honda Australia will offer these. There was also talk of adaptive headlights (that peer round corners) making their way onto the CR-V Luxury models, but to keep the price points from spiralling out of control Australian versions won't come with advanced headlight systems.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) were also mooted for European models, but appear to be missing from Honda Australia's CR-V feature list.

With seating for five occupants, the CR-V has a long list of comfort features, including cruise control, a tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel fitted with audio controls, MP3-capable CD player with AM/FM tuner and speed sensitive audio volume that automatically adjusts to match the speed of the car. Honda has even added an audio input jack in the centre console for plugging in a personal MP3 player to all variants.

The CR-V Sport and CR-V Luxury both feature a sunroof, fog-lights and a six-stack CD-player while the Luxury also receives heated front leather seats.

The exterior styling on the CR-V is all new, and will be one of the key selling points of the new model. It gives Honda's baby 4WD a much sportier appearance on the road and with a coupe-like tapering side window profile and a lower stance than its upright precursor, the CR-V's attitude has changed completely compared to the outgoing model.

If you look at the front end, it too has been given a more sporty style, with a distinctive dual layer grille as the focal point, which is flanked by projector-style headlights and a large bumper section. Honda says that it all makes for a muscular front end, which is emphasised by the car's wider track and tasteful 17-inch wheels.

At the rear, a vertically-opening tailgate is the dominant design feature, and the spare wheel has been removed from the rear door, and replaced under the load compartment floor. The vertical brake light strips that straddle the large rear tailgate retain some of the old model's style, and with all the changes to the car's sheet metal, aerodynamic efficiency has been improved by 12 per cent, which also benefits fuel economy.

Honda Australia says the third-generation CR-V will be available from Honda dealerships on February 15th and has a recommended retail price beginning at $31,990.

2007 Honda CR-V Model Features:

CR-V

2.4-litre DOHC engine with i-VTEC, with 125kW and 218Nm
5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
Dual front airbags
Front side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System
Front active headrests
Steering wheel mounted Cruise controls
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Manual air conditioning
Security alarm
Rolling-code immobilizer
5 three-point seat belts
17-inch steel wheels (with a full size spare)
Tilt & telescopic steering
Single CD tuner with MP3 & WMA capacity
Speed sensitive audio volume
Auxiliary audio input to connect to i-Pods

CR-V Sport (as CR-V above, plus)

Front and rear curtain airbags
Dual zone climate control
5 spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare
Two-way Electric sunroof
Fog lights
6 CD stack tuner
Sunglasses holder
Conversation mirror
Double deck cargo shelf

CR-V Luxury (as CR-V Sport above, plus)

Leather interior
Heated front seats
8-way electric driver’s seat with electrically operated lumbar support
Leather steering wheel
Reverse parking sensors

2007 CR-V Pricing:

• CR-V (manual): $31,990
  CR-V (auto): $33,990

• CR-V Sport (manual): $37,490
  CR-V Sport (auto): $39,490

• CR-V Luxury (manual): $39,990
  CR-V Luxury (auto): $41,990

(Metallic paint $300 extra).

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