Fourth Generation CR-V Comes to Europe in October

The fourth generation Honda CR-VHonda CR-V Gen.4Japan, 2012 > present34 versions
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will come to Europe in October about six months after debuting in the US. The new CR-V has the same footprint as the previous generation but offers more interior room. 

The new CR-V sits slightly older than the old generation but is meant to slightly more aggressive. The front has a new nose with a three-bar horizontal grill. Like all of the CR-Vs, it has vertical rear taillights. The European market will be the only one for the moment to get LED front lights. 

“The CR-V is one of the key pillars of Honda’sHondaJapan, 1948 > present102 models
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global portfolio. To develop the latest version of a model that has sold over five million examples is a big responsibility, but we have enjoyed the challenge. If you want to improve a vehicle that is already well balanced and respected, the only solution is to enhance that vehicle in every area while making it smaller, lighter and more efficient than ever before. That is what we have done with the new CR-V," said Nakagawa.

Luggage space has grown by 148 liters to 1648 liters. The rear cargo area is also 140mm larger to 1570mm, but the load height is 25mm lower. Honda claims the rear will hold two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs. A power tailgate will be exclusive to Europe for now.

The rear seats' hip point is 38mm lower than previously to increase headroom and make seating more comfortable. 

Other changes for Europe include more sound insulation to reduce noise and vibration. Honda says it is 3db quieter than the previous CR-V.

When it goes on sale, the CR-V will have two engine options both available in either front- or all-wheel drive. There is the 2.0 liter i-VTEC and 2.2 liter i-DTEC diesel. The i-DTEC has 155ps and 192Nm of torque, which is 5ps more and 2Nm more. CO2 emissions for the diesel are down from 195g/km to 176g/km. The i-VTEC has the same 150ps but emissions are down to 170g/km of CO2.

Both engines are evolutions of those found in the previous CR-V, but economy sees a 10% improvement. Both get a six-speed manual transmission, start/stop and an Eco button that reduces throttle response and air conditioning. The body is also 6.5% more efficient than the previous version because of a flat floor and retuned wheel arches. 

Honda also retuned the CR-V's suspension for Europe to make it more car-like and give better high-speed stability. The body is 7% more rigid to bending and 9% more torsionally. 

The European CR-V will be built at Honda's Swindon plant in England.