Honda PH is bringing back its hybrids, and it starts with the all-new 2024 CR-V. The sixth-generation model will no longer have the diesel option locally, but two turbocharged options are available with the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive layouts.
The crème de la crème of this compact crossover SUV is the CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT. I know that is a lot to remember, but to simplify, remember that the HEV stands for "hybrid electric vehicle."
This hybrid has a Traction and Generator Motor connected to a new 2.0-liter Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine. The motors use 184-PS and 335-Nm of torque in the low- to high-speed range, while the engine's 148-PS and 183-Nm of torque are used for high-speed cruising.
Do not bother about when to switch between the engine and the motors because the system automatically does everything for the driver. You can choose between three drive modes: EV Drive (runs the vehicle solely on battery power); Hybrid Drive (combination of the electric motor and the engine); and Engine Drive. There are also three power modes: Sport, Normal, and Econ.
The beauty of Honda’s e:HEV is that, like all hybrids, it is a self-charging system. It uses regenerative braking to harvest energy from braking and deceleration and recovers friction losses that would otherwise be unused. The energy is stored in the battery to extend the car’s electric power range and optimize fuel economy. The battery can also be recharged with the help of the engine. The gearbox is an electro-continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).
If you are old-fashioned and prefer a non-electrified unit, Honda debuts a turbocharged version of the CR-V for the first time in the country. The 1.5 V Turbo CVT and 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD use a 1.5-liter Direct Injection DOHC VTEC engine with a new high-efficiency, high-response turbocharger and enhanced exhaust system. Its 190 PS and 240 Nm of torque make it the most powerful gas-powered CR-V to date. It uses a CVT.
Honda claims the hybrid powertrain returns 29.4 km/l in urban driving conditions, while the turbocharged models deliver 16.4 km/l.
The 2024 CR-V ditches the curves for a squarish yet statelier body. The biggest change comes from the façade with its flat front and a new, broader grille. It still has a sloping roof (with a rear spoiler) and a curvy tail to emphasize sportiness.
On the 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT is an exclusive grille design, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear LED foglights, and 18-inch piano-black aluminum alloy wheels. A Honda Smart Key Card gives you access inside. Its cabin has a new head-up display, a Bose Premium 12-speaker system, intelligent dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, black Leather seats with red stitching, four-way power lumbar support, and up to 1,064 liters of cargo space.
The 1.5 V Turbo and 1.5 VX Turbo AWD get a front grille in piano-black (VX Turbo AWD) and honeycomb with chrome (V Turbo); LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED sequential front turn signals; LED front fog lamps; LED taillights; a power tailgate with Walk Away Close feature, dual stainless-steel exhaust finishers (1.5 VX CVT Turbo AWD), and 18-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels. Cabin creature comforts include a Honda Smart Entry system (V Turbo) and new Honda Smart Key Card Entry (VX Turbo), push-to-start button, a nine-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a navigation system (VX Turbo), an eight-speaker system, a tri-zone automatic climate control system (V Turbo) and intelligent dual and tri-zone automatic (VX Turbo), a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, black leather seats, eight-way power memory seats (driver’s side), four-way power (passenger side), three-row seating (VX Turbo and VX Turbo AWD), a wireless charger, Active Noise Control, and a maximum of 840 liters of cargo space.
All models will have Honda Sensing with a new camera that has a 90-degree field of view and radar with a 120-degree field of view to run the following: Collision Mitigation Braking System, Automatic Collision Detection, Security Alarm Detection, Speed Alert, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Auto High Beam, Lead Car Departure Notification System, and for the first time Adaptive Driving Beam (exclusively for the RS e:HEV CVT variant).
Another new feature is Honda Connect, which lets customers communicate with their vehicle and use features like Find My Car, Geofencing Alert, Emergency Call, Car Status, Remote Vehicle Control, and Service Reminder.
The all-new Honda CR-V 1.5 V Turbo CVT (P2.1 million) and CR-V 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD (P2.280 million) units are arriving in September 2023, while the all-new Honda CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT (P2.590 million) will be available by October 2023.