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Honda has unveiled an all-new CR-V range that, for the first time in Australia, will have a turbocharged engine line-up and a seven seat option.
The all-new CR-V, here in July in its fifth generation, is being promoted as a more quality-focused vehicle than before with emphasis on rear seat occupant comfort and convenience.
The biggest news is the addition of a third-row option. Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said the seven seat feature had been requested by customers "and now we'll deliver it".
Changes to the CR-V compared with the previous fourth-gen model appear minimal but Honda stresses a lot of changes have been made under the restyled skin.
The Australian-spec CR-V, made in Thailand, will get only a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 140kW/240Nm. This is the same power output but a higher torque peak than the outgoing 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine, and a thriftier 7.8 litres per 100km fuel average compared with the 2.4 at 8.7 L/100km.
But Australia will not get any engine options, unlike some other markets that will be also offered the carry-over 2.4-litre petrol and a new 1.6-litre turbo-diesel. Honda Australia today said a diesel was not planned.
The CR-V will be available in front- and all-wheel drive and only with a CVT auto.
The new SUV has a new platform with a 40mm-longer wheelbase that equates to significant improvements in interior space and cargo area.
He said the versatility of the new SUV had already made it a popular choice in other markets such as the UK.
It is now 4571mm in length – up 36mm on the previous model – and 18mm lower, with width increased by 35mm to 1855mm.
The third row of two seats folds flat into the cargo floor, while the centre row splits and tumbles forward. The front passenger seat can also be folded flat to carry long items.
The more rigid platform brings with it changes to the suspension tuning and a more direct steering ratio.
To improve handling, the new model has a slightly wider footprint and will have 18-inch alloy wheels on all variants.
Cabin design and features borrow a lot from the latest Civic, with a large central screen, multimedia including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps and an instrument panel with large central speedometer.
The premium-grade interior is seen by Honda as the point of difference compared with others in the segment, as it targets sales leader Mazda's CX-5.
Mr Collins said that the new CR-V will be "a significant player in the medium SUV segment."
He said the versatility of the new SUV, and the extra cabin space, had already made it a popular choice in other markets such as the UK.
"When you step into the new CR-V you'll know you're in a premium, quality cabin but that premiumness will also be evident in the driving experience," he said.
The CR-V goes on sale in July. Pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to launch, Honda said.
Australia launched the first-generation Honda CR-V in October 1997 when it was one of only three mid-size SUVs (then called wagons) on the market, sizing up against the Toyota RAV-4 and Subaru Forester.
Globally, more than five million CR-Vs have been sold, as it helped change buyer perceptions towards SUVs and away from conventional sedans.
The CR-V is one of three major launches for Honda in Australia in 2017.
"We're about to go on sale with the Civic hatch to complement the Civic sedan, followed by the CR-V and later in the year, the hot performance Type R," Mr Collins said.
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