Honda Reveals First Image of 2012 CR-V Concept

Honda and Toyota pioneered the concept of the compact car-based SUV, Toyota with the Rav 4 and Honda with the CR-V, in the mid-90s. Honda revealed today the first images of its concept for the 2012 CR-V, which will be the car's fourth generation. 

The fourth generation CR-V is an evolution of the previous version. It uses the contemporary Honda grill with horizontal chrome bars. The final portion of the rear windows now bends upward. The sides of the new car are more sculpted than the relatively slab-sided previous CR-V.

Honda is promising a new suite of engines for the new CR-V to improve fuel consumption but has not given any specifics about them yet. It also said that the vehicle's weight will be less than the old model. 

Honda says that the new CR-V will debut in the US at the end of 2011 and will arrive in Europe autumn 2012. The concept will be shown to the public for the first time at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California, in September.