2018 Honda CR-V launched at Rs 28.15 lakh

Showcased at the Auto Expo earlier this year, the news of the new Honda CR-V's impending arrival had quite a few SUV buyers waiting. The wait, however, ends today, as Honda has launched the fifth-generation CR-V at a starting price of Rs 28.15 lakh for the petrol and Rs 30.65 lakh for the diesel and Rs 32.75 lakh for the diesel with all-wheel drive (ex-showroom, India).

In its fifth generation, the Honda CR-V has grown in size, and while it retains some familiar cues we have come to associate with the SUV, it now has a muscular, more imposing look – something that’ll doubtless be a hit with buyers.

The interior also has a more premium feel to it, and a novel touch on the diesel variant is the replacement of the gear lever with buttons, which gives the dash a cleaner look. In terms of features, the CR-V gets a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic LED headlights, electric parking brake, leather upholstery, push-button start, and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat. Safety kit includes front, side and curtain airbags, driver attention assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist and more.

For the first time ever, the CR-V will be available with seven seats – but only if you’re opting for the diesel engine. You see, the petrol variant will only be offered as a five-seater.

Speaking of engines, there are two to choose between on the new CR-V: a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol making 156hp and 189Nm of torque, or a 1.6-litre Earth Dreams diesel, which produces 120hp and 300Nm. Honda sells a more powerful 160hp, twin-turbo version of the same engine in other markets, but has opted to bring the single-turbo engine to India to keep the price low. And while these figures are far from remarkable for an SUV of this size, Honda says it has been tuned for better drivability.

Also exclusive to the diesel CR-V are a nine-speed automatic gearbox with paddleshifters (the petrol gets a CVT only), and all-wheel-drive, with the system transferring up to 40 percent of power to the rear axle when needed. The AWD variant also has more ground clearance than the FWD variants – 208mm beats 198mm.

Another important detail is how fuel-efficient the new CR-V promises to be. While the petrol variant's claimed efficiency figure of 14.4kpl is par for the course, the 2WD diesel's figure of 19.5kpl is impressive, and the AWD diesel's 18.3kpl even more so, considering it is still significantly more efficient than other SUVs in its class.

At this price, the Honda CR-V will battle the likes of the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Skoda Kodiaq.

Is the new CR-V appealing enough, or would you pick one of its rivals? Let us know in the comments.