The new Honda CR-V comes with fresh styling and more power. Prices start at Rs 19.95 lakh.
The CR-V may look bigger than the old car in pictures, especially from the outside, but it is actually shorter and lower slung. The driving position is more car-like than in the current car and this has been done purposely, says Honda, to help emphasise its car-like driving manners. Honda has also done a very good job of utilising space, with almost every area having grown. There’s an additional 225mm in the cabin, which helps it feel more airy and open, and the high-quality steering wheel and multiple screens give the interiors a modern feel. The wow factor is considerably upped by the classy instrument panel as well. Well finished and with minimalist white numbers on a black dial, the instrument panel also incorporates a digital display at the centre, along with a layered 3D effect.
Just like the earlier CR-V, there’s plenty of space for passengers at the rear. The cabin feels wider, the completely flat floor makes it a genuine five-seater, and the big back seats offer plenty of comfort. As ever, the new CR-V will be a great car to be chauffeured around in.
The car also has more luggage space – 589 litres with the last row of seats in place, and 1,648 litres with the 60/40-split rear seats folded down – an increase of 148 litres.
Drivers of the 2.4 also get paddle shifters for a more controlled drive. The top-end AVN variant also features an electric sunroof, and a 6.1-inch multimedia information display that is used to control the audio, video and navigation. The rear-view camera will be very handy and is standard across the range. The CR-V also boasts of a button-activated Eco mode for a more fuel-efficient drive. Leather-wrapped seats, steering-mounted audio controls, cruise control and the one-touch folding rear seats are standard across the range.
Honda will also offer two styling packages for the CR-V. The Inspire package gets chrome garnishes and scuff plates for the door sills, as well as a tail spoiler and sculpted running boards. The Elegance package offers a healthier smattering of chrome, but does without the spoiler and the running boards. What makes it distinctive is its honeycomb grille.
Honda has priced the base 2.0L MT variant at Rs 19.95 lakh and the 2.0L AT at Rs 20.85 lakh. The 2.4L AT comes priced at Rs 22.40 lakh and the top trim level 2.4L AVN at Rs 23.85 lakh. The diesel version is not part of the current plan and is unlikely to come to India within the first year, but with prices as competitive as these, there should still be healthy demand for Honda's petrol SUV.