Come 2018, when the new Honda CR-V comes to India, for the first time, it will be available with a diesel engine. Here are five things to know about Honda’s fifth-generation CR-V
1. There’s a diesel engine:
There will be two engines on offer – the current 2.4-litre petrol unit, which will continue, and a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel unit. The petrol makes 190hp, while the diesel’s output will be 158hp at 4,000rpm and 350Nm at 2,000rpm. The engines will be paired to automatic gearboxes - the diesel will use a nine-speed unit sourced from ZF. Both models will feature front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option.
2. It will seat seven:
The CR-V in India was only a five-seater but the new CR-V for Asian markets will be available with a seven-seat layout. Since the car’s wheelbase has increased by 41mm, Honda has been able to package the interior better and offer more cabin space as well as a bigger boot.
3. Styling is cleaner:
The car’s styling is cleaner, more angular and more modern now. The nose section mimics cars like the Civic and BR-V. There are lots of SUV styling cues such as all-round body cladding and large, flared wheel arches. Honda has stated that this car is far more aerodynamic as well, and it is set to feature automatic shutter grille tech.
4. It’ll be tech-laden:
This car will come fitted with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There will be lots of high-quality soft-touch bits as well. Honda will also throw in features like 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.
5. Expect competitive pricing:
The car’s diesel unit will be locally assembled in India, which will help Honda price it competitively. The new CR-V will take on Hyundai’s Tucson, the upcoming Jeep Compass, and the recently launched Volkswagen Tiguan when it goes on sale in India.