The Honda CR-V has never been a popular car in India and now, Honda will now finally offer a diesel engine for its fifth-gen CR-V. Along with all the other changes, the diesel powertrain should boost sales.
Aggressive styling
The CR-V’s styling is instantly recognisable – it’s definitely going to stand out in a parking lot. Even though the fifth-gen model doesn’t change much from the fourth-gen, it still remains sharp looking. The new angular headlights share design elements with Honda’s New City and India-bound Civic, which feature a similar thick chrome strip. The profile of the CR-V continues to look like the current-gen car; however, the wheel arches are now more flared, offering a muscular SUV-like stance. The rear of the car now has L-shaped tail-lights, giving the car a more distinct look. The company also claims that aerodynamics are improved thanks to the new design and the car’s automatic shutter grille tech.
New on the inside
The new cabin is wider than before and feels a lot more spacious. The quality of materials has also been upgraded, with generous use of leather trim, wood and metal accents. The plastics and switchgear feel significantly well-finished this time around. The automatic variant gets a unique push-button gear selector placed in the centre console. The new CR-V also has a floating, borderless touchscreen for the infotainment system. The car also gets a third row of seats with dedicated air con vents. In terms of features, it will get remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, heated wing mirrors, and an electric parking brake, along with equipment such as USB charging ports for the second row, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
Powerhouse
The talking point of the 2018 CR-V is the provision of a diesel engine under the hood. The 1.6-litre twin-turbo unit will output 158hp and 350Nm. The motor will be paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox from ZF, and power will be sent to the front wheels as standard, with all-wheel drive being optional. For the few looking for petrol power, the CR-V will also get a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a power output of 190hp, also mated to an automatic gearbox.
Price
In terms of pricing, the petrol CR-V is expected to start at around ₹23 lakh and ₹25 lakh for the diesel (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). The upcoming CR-V will directly rival the Hyundai Tucson and the VW Tiguan.