Report - All-new Honda CR-V launched in India

Honda launched the new CR-V in the capital city today afternoon. With a large list of features, sharper looks, and a price cut (the best feature by far), the locally assembled 2012 CR-V is a better car in all respects compared to its predecessor.

Not convinced? Read along to find out how.

New Honda CR-V prices (ex-showroom, New Delhi)

• 2.0 MT - 19.95 lakhs
• 2.0 AT - 20.85 lakhs
• 2.4 AT - 22.4 lakhs
• 2.4 AT (AVN) - 23.85 lakhs

Exterior:

The new CR-V features a leaner and a more aerodynamic design. The aerodynamic drag, as a result, has reduced by 8%. The length has been reduced by 30 mm curtailing it to 4,545mm while the wheelbase remains the same at 2,620mm.

The height has increased by 5mm and the width remains the same.

Interior:

Apart from the huge feature list, intelligent space management has juiced a bit more out of the interior. The length has decreased by 30mm but there’ more head & legroom and best-in-class cargo area. The tilt/telescopic steering can now travel a further 10mm with a total travel of 40mm.

The seat height travels 10mm more with an overall travel of 50mm. The rear seats now fold down further by 38mm and the loading lip and the cargo area are placed 30mm lower, all of which amount to better loading space and easier loading.

Comfort:

The steering system has been changed from HPS to EPS and the damper capacity has been increased by 10%, which promises a smoother ride comfort, according to Honda.

Compared to the retiring model, static rigidity has been enhanced and dynamic rigidity has been optimized. Hence the car is better balanced and body roll is further limited. The maneuverability and stability have improved by 40% and improved sound insulation provides upto 3dB less noise into the cabin, Honda noted in its media presentation.

Safety:

HAS (Hill Start Assist), ABS, Skid Control, TCS (Traction Control System) and the advanced MA-EPS (Motion Adaptive Electronic Stability Program) provide all around safety.

Engine and Transmission:

The 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines now produce more power. The torque is delivered in a very linear manner and is spread out over almost the whole power range. Thanks to reduced friction, the same engine now produces more power (+29PS) too. Refer to the graphs above to get a better idea.

The 5-speed auto transmission offers technologies like Direct Clutch Control and Torque Converter with Lock-Up Clutch. A hill start control and paddle shifter are other facets of this technology.

It is claimed that the 6-speed manual transmission has improved gear shift feel and shorter gear throws along with improved NVH levels.

The top-end model gets a Real Time 4WD which acts as a FWD in normal conditions and switches to 4WD on demand as per to the driving conditions.

Honda CR-V Image Slideshow from the launch floor

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Honda CR-V Brochure for Indian market

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