Do you like the new Honda CR-V?
The veil of camouflage is off the 2012 Honda CR-V. After being spied countless number of times on the road, Honda has finally revealed what’s been hiding behind the black covers. The 2012 Honda CR-V concept gives us full details of what the new SUV from Honda would look like. Yes, we know that this is not the production model, but Honda is known to put concepts in production without changing them one bit.
At the outset, it is clearly a huge departure from where Honda left. The new CR-V is certainly bigger than the older one. It is certainly more aggressive than the previous generation with new sharper headlamps and a brand new grill. The headlamps remind of us previous Accord with double barrel projectors. You also get a skid plates in the front and roof rails on top to make it look more outdoorsy.
Instead of the previous generation boxy design, Honda has opted for a more fluidic and aerodynamic approach. Hopefully they have managed to reduce the drag quotient which should result is better fuel economy. Two sharp lines on the side indicate that Honda is really trying to show its designing finesse.
The major changes have happened at the rear which has grown unusually large suggesting it may be a 7 seater. The rear also reminds of the Volvo XC60 with tail lamps looking exactly the same.
We don’t expect Honda to make any changes in the powertrain on the next-generation CR-V. It will most likely continue with the current 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine making 180-hp and 161 lb-ft of torque. A diesel and a hybrid power options would make it a very lucrative proposition.
The production model of the proposed concept is expected to make a debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show later this year. And the actual production should start from next year itself.
Do you like the new CR-V?
Press Release
2012 Honda CR-V Concept Reveals Dynamic New Styling of Future Model
Sophisticated direction of versatile compact SUV exhibits distinctive and bold new look for long-time segment leader
The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept provides the first official glimpse of the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V set to go on sale in the United States by the end of the year, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
The CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction for the top-selling1 SUV in the United States. Compared to the current-generation CR-V, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper’s smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics.
The CR-V’s signature vertical rear taillights remain for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. The CR-V Concept’s large 5-spoke machined alloy wheels and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle’s dynamic presence and capability.
The all-new 2012 CR-V will improve upon the current model in a variety of ways, and will feature a more fuel-efficient engine and reduced body weight. In addition to all-new exterior styling, the 2012 CR-V will have an all-new interior with a more accommodating and spacious design with a lower cargo floor.
Currently in the fifth year of its model cycle, the CR-V continues to sell at a record pace. The 2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates’ 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS), where it finished second to the Honda Element in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V is sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-V is manufactured in Ohio at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., using domestic and globally sourced parts. The East Liberty Auto Plant earned a Silver Award for outstanding quality in the recently released J.D. Power 2011 Initial Quality Study. The 2012 CR-V Concept will be on display at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California, in September.
[Source - eGMCarTech.com]
