New Honda CR-V uncovered

By Sam Hardy

03rd September 2006

	Under the bonnet, the new CR-V will continue with the current car’s 2.0-litre petrol units – although these are likely to offer more power and better fuel economy

The quality of the pictures could be better – but then these are top-secret leaked images of Honda’s curvy new CR-V in showroom trim for the first time.

Following on from our exclusive on-the-road shots in Issue 918, Auto Express has tracked down these pictures, ahead of the stunning new car’s official reveal. And they show how the firm is gearing up to take on Land Rover’s Freelander.

As you can see, it’s a real change from the current model, with a bold front end which is sure to get owners noticed.

The distinctive face features a deep air intake and jutting bumper that curves around the front of the car and flows into bulging wheelarches. The look is completed by an extended bonnet and chrome grille with triangular headlights.

At the back, it’s just as bold with a striking C-shaped window and large tail-lamps that extend to the roofline. Inside, memories of the current car’s bland cabin will be banished to the history books. While the new CR-V’s interior is nowhere near as dramatic as the exterior – or the Civic’s swooping cockpit – it is now far more distinctive.

It is dominated by a large Accord-style centre section, which houses the satellite navigation screen and switches for the climate control. While the model seen in our pictures has an automatic transmission, manual variants will also be available with the lever mounted at steering wheel level.

Based on a new platform shared with the US market-only RDX off-roader, the CR-V will be longer and wider than the outgoing car, meaning more space for luggage and five occupants. Interior trim is upgraded with soft-feel plastics and leather trim for high-spec variants.

As with the current model, the driving experience will be biased towards on-road handling. But refinement and ride quality should be improved thanks to the new, stiffer chassis and tweaked suspension. And although it won’t feature a vast array of terrain-conquering stability devices, the CR-V will be capable in the rough on account of its four-wheel drive and good ground clearance.

Under the bonnet, the new CR-V will continue with the current car’s 2.0-litre petrol units – although these are likely to offer more power and better fuel economy. However, the existing 140bhp 2.2-litre i-CTDi turbodiesel is set to be the biggest seller.

The CR-V will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show next month, and goes on sale in early 2007, with prices kicking off at around £20,000.