The family SUV just got better
Written by Neil Pagulayan
Honda’s top-selling SUV just got better as Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) takes the wraps off the 2021 CR-V.
In a virtual launch broadcast on Honda Cars Philippines’ Facebook and YouTube pages, the carmaker revealed the new model with considerable updates, available in two engine choices and four variants.
These are the 2.0 S CVT (gas, 5-seater), V 9-AT (diesel, 7-seater), S 9AT Honda Sensing (diesel, 7-seater), and SX 9-AT (diesel, 7-seater).
Exterior
First of all, the new CR-V bears a new face, as characterized by the new LED headlights and LED foglamps (across the entire range), chrome grille, and front bumper with chrome bumper accents. Around the back, you get a redesigned rear bumper. The rear taillights get a darker tint to their lenses. Roof rails are standard on all variants.
Some of the equipment may vary with the trim level. The V diesel 9AT, for example, gets new 17-inch alloy wheels, while the S diesel, 2.0 S CVT, and SX diesel get new 18-inch alloy wheels.
Other features include a power tailgate for the S diesel. Naturally, the SX diesel gets many more toys like the addition of hands-free access for the Power tailgate, sequential turn signals, a panoramic sunroof and Auto rain-sensing wipers.
Interior
The new CR-V features the familiar interior of its predecessor. Perhaps one if its most unique features is the lack of a stick shift, replaced with drive selector buttons as found in Honda’s more luxurious Legend sedan.
Passengers get a seven-inch touchscreen display audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation and automatic climate control are fitted in higher trim variants. Thankfully, USB ports on the center console are standard.
For cargo, the S CVT 5-seater boasts of 522 liters behind the second row. The V, S and SX Diesel variants come with a 50:50 split reclining second row seats and additional air-conditioning vents with independent controls. Cargo space is 472 liters, and with the second and third row seats folded, this goes up to 976 liters.
Naturally, the SX diesel gets the best seats in the house with an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat and 4-way power lumbar support. The front passenger gets a 4-way power-adjustable seat. There’s also a wireless mobile charger on the center console.
Engine and Transmission
Propelling the CR-V are two engine options: the 1.6-liter DOHC i-DTEC turbodiesel puts out 120-PS at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 300-Nm at 2,000 rpm, mated to a nine speed automatic transmission. The lone gasoline variant is powered by a 2.0-liter SOHC i-VTEC which puts out 154-PS at 6,500 rpm with peak torque of 189-Nm at 4,300 rpm. This is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Both get Honda’s Eco Assist System, which comes with the ECON driving mode that integrates an Eco-Coaching Ambient Light t encourage more efficient driving.
Safety and Honda SENSING
Naturally, the CR-V ticks all the boxes when it comes to safety. There’s a long list of standard safety features like front driver and passenger airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist (HSA), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), emergency stop signal, and multi-view reverse camera w/ guide lines. The SX, S diesel, and 2.0S CVT variants come standard with LaneWatch, side airbags and side curtain airbags. However, Honda throws in lots more in the SX and S diesel. These features come in the form of a suite of driver assist technologies called Honda SENSING.
This package consists of a wave millimeter radar and monocular camera working together to monitor and assess road conditions in front of the vehicle and alert the driver to potential dangers. Besides warnings, advanced safety features can assist or act for the driver to avoid incidents. These include a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and the Auto High Beam.
Not surprisingly, these features have helped the new CR-V achieve a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP (17- Protocol) safety rating.
Colors and pricing
The new CR-V comes in a wide array of colors like Cosmic Blue Metallic (SX diesel 9AT AWD and S diesel 9AT only), Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl (+ P20,000) and Modern Steel Metallic.
The new CR-V starts at PhP1,678,000 for the 2.0 S CVT; PhP 1,713,000 for the V diesel 9AT; PhP 1,888,000 for the S disel 9 AT Honda SENSING; and PhP 2,158,000 for the SX diesel 9AT AWD. It’s now available in all 34 Honda dealerships nationwide.