Honda Cr V

2013 Honda CR V launched in India at Rs 19.95 lakh

12 February, 2013 : Honda, the Japanese auto major has finally rolled out the upgraded 2013 version of Honda CRV at a starting price of Rs. 19.95 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). The compact SUV has been launched in four guises with 2WD and 4WD options and automatic/manual transmission gearbox. The 2.0L and 2.4L powertrains are still under the hoods; however they have been tweaked in order to produce more fuel economy. 2013 Honda CR V comes with latest bells and whistles and the features that are freshly introduced include electric sunroof, 6.1” multi information display system, navigation system, reverse parking camera and Bluetooth connectivity.

Honda CRV Review by Expert

Honda Cars India limited contender in the crossover SUV segment, the Honda CR V is an extremely loved and adored vehicle in India from the time it was brought into the Indian market in the year 2003. Honda CR V India has seen many generations and the changes that come along with it. The third generation was brought in the 2006 and with the new avatar Honda further amplified its position in the SUV market which actually began to grow around then. Six years passed since then and with the low product shelf life concept prevalent in the market, a facelift version of the Honda CR V became a need of the hour. Honda although did not quench the thirst of Indian consumer of seeing a  diesel power train under the hoods of Honda CR but titivated the vehicle with latest technology features and  decided to bring in the vehicle through the CKD route, the effect of which can be seen in the price tag of new Honda CRV. 

The whole of Honda CR V stance has changed with this facelift; the vehicle has gone shorter in terms of length without compromising on the creature comfort in the cabin area. Honda claims to offer driving comfort akin to a sedan and aggressiveness and sports appeal of a true off-roader, this too good to be true package comes with a length of 4545 mm, 1820mm width, 1685mm height along with a wheelbase of 2620mm. The wheelbase figure is good enough to make you realize that Honda fulfills its promise of Man Maximum, Machine Minimum concept.

Honda CR V holds a 2.0L 2WD and 2.4L 4WD heart under its hood which injects petrol fuel into its heart and gives power the wheels for churning. The 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines are not new rather are taken from the third generation Honda CR V with a few alterations. The altered 2.0L engine offers max power output of 156PS@6500pm and 190Nm of torque @4300rpm with a fuel efficiency of 13.7 kmpl, whereas  the 2.4L engine generates max power of 190 PS @ 7000 and 226 Nm of torque @ 4400 rpm and a fuel economy figure of  12 kmpl respectively.

Honda CRV Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The 2.0L and 2.4L 4 cylinders engines were already powering the third generation of  Honda CR V  and has been carried forward to power the latest forth gen. However the Japanese auto major has tweaked both the engines in order to generate more power, a plus of 13PS in the power figures of 2.0L 2WD engine and a whooping 29PS hike in the more powerful 2.4L engine. The 2013 Honda CR V mileage figures have gone up all thanks to these alterations in the power figures of the lightweight 2.0L and more powerful 2.4L i-VTEC petrol engines.

The mileage figure of the base engine lies at 13.7kmpl and higher version 2.4L 4WD offers out 12kmpl mileage. The all new CR-V comes  has been adorned with a refined 6 speed Manual Transmission in the base variants and 2.0L engine option whereas a seamless 5 speed Automatic Transmission is available with both 2.0L and 2.4L variants that  delivers the touch perfect  combination of driving performance and fuel economy.

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Honda CRV Colors

Opal Sage Metalic	Premium Mystic Night Pearl	Alabaster Silver	Crystal Pearl Black	Premium White Pearl	Polished Metal

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Honda CRV Engine, Power and Performance

In terms of engine, Honda has not freshly developed the powertrain line rather has used the same old 2.0L and 2.4L petrol mills. The need to see a diesel engine under the hoods of the new CR V is suppressed as of now and might be fulfilled in the year 2014. Coming to the tried and tested 2.0L 4 cylinder SOHC in-line i-VTEC engine which now generates  a peak power of 156PS at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 190 Nm at 4,300 rpm, the difference between the older generation and the new generation being of 13PS. The much loaded and powerful 2,354cc mill DOHC manages to churn out peak power of 190PS @ 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 226Nm @4,400 rpm. The 1,997cc engine just comes with 2WD whereas the Real Time 4WD option is limited to the 2,354cc mill.

The 2.0L comes coupled with both 6 speed manual transmission gearbox and 5 speed automatic one whereas the 2.4L features just the automatic one. The NVH level of both the engines is controlled and do not reach and perturb the cabin passengers. Honda has introduced an all new technology called the ‘ECON button’ which helps the drivers to increase the fuel efficiency as soon as you activate the system. The technology controls and adjusts the engines performance, transmission system, AC and cruise control with the help of Eco Assist system that has a built-in Ambient meter which shifts colour in response to driving style. With all these assistant features and power and torque figures generated by the 2.0L and 2.4L petrol mills new Honda CR V offers out a fuel efficiency figure of 13.7kmpl and 12kmpl respectively.

Honda CR–V petrol engine 2.0 L

The Honda CR-V 2.0 L 2WD petrol engine is light in weight and designed with i-VTEC variable valve timing technology. The engine is assembled with programmed fuel injection system, displacement of 1997cc, 4 stroke, 4 cylinders, spark ignition, gasoline and 6 speed manual transmissions which makes it highly efficient and delivers refined power. The engine is capable to provide active and sporty handling to the passengers. The engine gives extreme mileage as compared to the other engines of different models.

Honda CR–V petrol engine 2.4 L

The Honda 2.4 L real time 4WD petrol engine is equipped with advanced and responsive technology. The engine is designed with displacement of 2354cc, 5 speed automatic transmission and programmed fuel injection system. Wider clutch, rigid transmission and real time 4WD system supporting front wheel drive function helps it to distribute extra torque. The mileage provided by the engine stands on moderate stage and needs to be raised as per the market requirements.

Honda CR–V Pickup and Acceleration

The fore most engine variant 2.0 L petrol possesses the power of 143 ps at 6000 rpm and torque of 190 Nm at 4200 rpm which is helpful in providing the average fuel efficiency of 11 kmpl and covers the distance of 100 km in just 10.63 seconds at the highest speed of 156 kmph. The second engine variant 2.4 L (MT) acquires the extreme power of 161 ps at 5800 rpm and torque of 218 Nm at 4200  rpm is capable of giving average fuel efficiency of 8 kmpl and can cover the distance of 100 km in just 10.1 seconds at the top speed of 148 kmph. The last variant of the engine is quite similar with previous variant in figures except pickup and transmission. This engine is capable of covering a distance of 100 km in 12.3 seconds at top speed of 148 kmph and has 5 speed automatic transmission.

Honda CRV Interiors and Features

Even in the terms of interiors Honda CR V India is a typical Honda product from front to back, the dashboard is neatly designed and carries resemblance with Honda Accord that comes with a lot of horizontal elements that grabs your attention. The gearshift stick has now been placed at the central stack of the dashboard. The dual tone color theme of Siena Beige and Grey of the interiors welcome you and offer a premium look of a sedan. The feeling of space in terms of headroom and legroom space is ample when we talk about the new CR V; apparently this space is further increased by the Japanese auto major by lowering down the floor by 38mm. This not only gives a whooping increase in headroom space but also increases the storage space in the boot area.

The drive seating position is very sporting and commanding and makes you feel proud while steering the vehicle. The fabric upholstery to cover the seating area is light in shade to give the owner a plush rich feel and this feel gets several notches higher with the faux wood inserts and brushed aluminum trim. The fit and finish of the elements, knobs and switches is finished to the optimum level. 

The new features gone on board like the sunroof, 6.1” audio visual navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and the central information display comes with an option to choose from interchangeable wallpapers. Apart from the usual features seen in the instrument cluster like the rpm meter, speed figures and temperature meters the new Honda CR V offers a pair of unique backlit LED indicators which turns into shades of green, light green and white. These colors are not for fun rather indicates you driving style and let you know that whether your driving style is frugal, less frugal or extremely fuel consuming, this way the Japanese auto major is trying to improve your driving style and prompts the driver to stay in the green zone by accelerating moderately and shifting into a higher gear at the appropriate rpm range.

Honda has introduced one of the most significant features termed as One Motion Dive Down Rear Seats which increases the boot space area and very conveniently folds down the seat for you. Each side of the seat with the press of a button  automatically fold full flat into the front of the cargo area using one of the small levers located near the tailgate or a pull-strap positioned on the rear seat side.

Apart from the versatile packaging the new Honda CR V is adorned with sophisticated instrumentation that includes a standard full-color, 5-inch “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and an intelligent AVN system with 6.1” touch screen offered only in the 2.4L AVN variant which works  via fingertip controls on the steering wheel and lets you know about the Fuel Consumption figures, Audio/ HFT status display DVD/ CD player, iPOD, USB, Blue Tooth/ Hands-free Telephone connectivity  and rear camera display during parking. 

Honda CRV Exteriors and Features

With the fourth generation Honda has further gone into its exploration of the crossover concept that reflects in the sloppy roof and user friendly tail gate. The side skirts reveal the snubbed nose job of the vehicle with the small bonnet while the roofline has gone more akin to a sedan. With all these marginally changes Honda engineers have well hidden the fact that the new Honda CR V is a tad bit taller than the outgoing model by 5mm but when you take a look at it, the vehicle appears shorter. The overall length has gone up by a major 30mm figure the wheelbase remains same at 2,620mm.
 

Honda CR V in its latest generation has gone a tad bit shorter but still contains the extremely recognizable and trade features of the old CRV. So when it comes to appearance the first and second generation of the vehicle was more transformed whereas in the third and the fourth generations the changes although been more substantial and well thought does not change the overall look of the vehicle and keep the Honda CR V very recognizable.

But then when you have a look at the new CR V for more than a minute the changes start unfolding themselves. The front fascia has gone striking and captivating with the chrome rendering, the tad bit raised bonnet slab of the new CR V. The aggressive stance is further accentuated with the larger, wraparound headlamps with twin projectors and if we talk about the high end variant the vehicle sports a high intensity discharge lamp for better vision and clarity. The chrome dipped three slat bonnet grille cuts at the edge of the headlamps. The fog lamps reside right above the bumper with the CRV insignia placed in between. The new Honda CR V runs on 17” 10 spoke Alloy wheels featuring bold fender flares which accentuate the vehicle’s dynamic presence and capability.

When it comes to the rear end the new CR-V is more upright and typical SUV type and comes with a lot of similar lines from the previous generation. The rear glass very compact but does not affect on the visibility for the driver. The vertical tail lamps are wraparound and create a triangular shape on the side panel at the bottom. The tail gate more looks like a split tail-gate, but the hatch door is a single unit. Just below the rear glass area and Honda’s trademark ‘H’ is the rear parking camera. Honda offers two optional body kits christened as Inspire and Elegance and according to the optional package one chooses one gets add on features like a rear spoiler, running boards and side-step garnish etc.

Safety Features in Honda CR–V

The car’s safety features are designed by considering specifically the needs of the market and passengers and even also delivers good grip on the Indian roads. The various features like anti lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), side curtain airbag, security alarm, engine immobilizer, dual SRS airbags, side airbags with OPDS, auto door lock with speed ensures complete safety and security to the customers.

Honda has always produced vehicles that are safe and adapt well with the Indian roads and heavy traffic. With CR V too that approach has not changed and safety remains a priority. As standard equipment Honda offers Anti lock braking system that stops your vehicle from locking while braking and avoid skidding plus maintains a tractive contact with the surface as per the driver’s input. The ABS system is assisted with EBD and Brake Assist.

Honda has incorporated Dual front SRS airbags for the front row passengers along with side curtain airbags with a passenger side occupant position detection system. The chassis of the vehicle has been spawned with advanced compatibility engineering that enables the vehicle to remain highly effective in absorbing and dispersing the energy in case of a frontal crash. The G-CON technology along with the Whiplash mitigation front seat design helps in reducing the gravity of neck injury in case of a neck injury.

The newly incorporated Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering system which works adjacent to the VSA and Electric Power Steering automatically initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction when it detects instability. The AT variants of Honda CRV features Hill Start Assist to prevent the vehicle from rolling downwards on inclines and this feature automatically switches on when detects an incline and fully stopped in any forward or reverse gear.

Honda CR-V Driving and Handling

The Honda has never compromised in the features delivering the best driving and handling comfort. The car is so designed that it is left with no complaints in zone. The 2WD and real time 4WD drive system is quite responsive. The front and rear suspension is supported with coil spring and torsion anti roll bar but the difference is that front suspension is McPherson strut while the rear one is double wishbone. The front brakes are associated with ventilated disc type on the other hand rear brake is discs type. The steering is collapsible and electrically & hydraulically power assisted. The superior acceleration which is very smooth and easy gives the feeling of its unbeatable power. Right from the manual and automatic transmission to the effective braking system the CR-V is simply an epic.

Honda never falls short when it comes to ride and handling of a vehicle and same goes for CRV’s entire line up. The new 2013 Honda CR V is built on new Civics platform and has McPherson strut suspension system up front and utilizes a double wishbone system at the rear. The suspension too have been tweaked and raised to have a bias towards softening the impact of bad roads. And as a result the new version of CRV does not get unsettled by the patchy road and the body roll too has been limited. New CR V rides on 17” alloy wheels and the ride has been designed to absorb and mould according to the road conditions and its undulations like no other vehicle.

The brakes at the front and the rear end are Disc with Collapsible electric power assisted steering wheel which falls into the driver’s hand easily making it easy to maneuver the vehicle. What charms you when one talk about the all new Honda CR-V is that is extremely low NVH levels apart from the superb ride quality. The new models body structure is said to be made sold and unyielding with the enhancement and up gradation of the static rigidity by improving torsional and bending rigidities. Honda has also worked on the damper capacity and raised 10% that ensures a smoother ride.

Honda CR–V Accessories

Honda has arrived with many smart and accessibility features and can be personalized on the basis of requisite. The various accessories are audio system with AM/FM, 1 CD player, audio volume control and Aux-in Jack/USB, 6 speakers (2 front + 2 rear + 2 tweeter), independent auto AC, 40:20:40 split foldable with 8 versatile rear seating combination and much more which are capable of providing complete comfort.

The All New Honda CR-V is available in 5 colors – Carnelian Red Pearl, Sparkling Brown Metallic, Urban Titanium Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Taffeta White. Honda also offers two new accessory packages christened as Elegance and in the All New Honda CRV. Honda has done its part when it comes to packing the vehicle in a versatile manner and this enhances the in-vehicle experience to a different level. The company offers sophisticated instrumentation as standard features like the 5-inch “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that comes with a smart interface operated with fingertips on steering wheel that communicates the fuel Consumption, Audio/ HFT status display( in the top end variant) and rear camera display.

The Multi-Information Display also comes with a feature wherein you can save your favorite wallpaper and customize the screen as per your choice. When it comes to the top end AVN variant, it comes loaded with a 6.1” touch screen that helps the driver to operate turn by turn Navigation, DVD/ CD player, iPOD, USB, Blue Tooth/ Hands-free Telephone connectivity and a rear camera display.

Honda CR–V Conclusion

Honda CR-V offers luxury, comfort and performance in one all together investment on higher side but somewhere it lacks in the good mileage. Market possesses many cars which can stand over competition with Honda like GMC Terrain, Jeep patriot, Mazda Tribute and few more.

Honda after such a long time has refreshed its pride and honor Honda CR V on one side the changes incorporated are decent enough to lure the Honda fans. The company’s decision to locally manufacture the new version of CRV at its facility has been welcomed with open arms and is considered as a wise decision as the price has now gone competitive and neck to neck against its competitors.

The variant line up along with the new features that offers performance, mileage, comfort and class seem to have just the right amount of touch however the market was eagerly awaiting to see a diesel heart under the hoods of 2013 Honda CRV, the thirst remains unquenched.