More than a year ago we already wrote that Honda would come up with three new models in 2023. The day ‘you knew was coming’ is finally here, as today those three models are launched simultaneously for the European market. The moment you read this, you will also find information about the other two models elsewhere on AutoWeek.nl, the electric Honda e:Ny1 and the smaller Honda ZR-V.
With the introduction of this new model, the Honda CR-V has six generations and is particularly hard to find in North America. Here in Europe it is different, although earlier generations were quite popular and we could only catch the current hybrid CR-V with few errors in previous tests. The new CR-V previously appeared in American form, but is now virtually in front of you in European trim. The difference is difficult to see, because the CR-V also gets those typical American orange reflectors for the front wheel arches in Europe. They don’t light up, so they are really reflectors.
Bigger
The rest of the car is a bit obedient, but looks modern and sleek. Its nose and sleek sides are very reminiscent of the Civic, while the rear has an unmistakable Volvo-like touch due to the high, L-shaped light units. The new Honda CR-V is larger on all sides than its predecessor. At 4.70 meters, it saves about 10 centimeters in length. That larger size is also necessary, because Honda places a model between the HR-V and the CR-V with the ZR-V, also presented today. However, the previous CR-V was only three centimeters longer than the ZR-V, but that gap is immediately enlarged.
Despite the extra length, the seven-seater variant of the CR-V will not return for the time being. With 587 liters you do get about 100 liters of luggage space. The rear seat can be moved over a considerable distance and the backrest is adjustable, which not only increases comfort, but also practicality.
The interior of the new CR-V is sleek and straight. The most striking part of the dashboard is the optically continuous combination of ventilation grilles in one line, and the whole is therefore strongly reminiscent of the Civic. No shame. Although we do not yet have exact equipment data, Honda already promises a generous standard equipment. Things like (real!) Leather, electrically adjustable seats and a Bose audio system would be standard on most versions.
Plug-in hybride
Just like now, the CR-V is a hybrid, but unlike now there are two variants of the hybrid powertrain. In addition to a regular e:HEV hybrid (the blue car), there will also be a plug-in hybrid (the white one). That variant, which is not illogically called e:PHEV, is the first PHEV that Honda supplies in Europe, elsewhere there was already a plug-in hybrid Clarity. Honda does it right from the start and provides the CR-V with a 17.7 kWh battery pack, good for an electric range of no less than 82 kilometers. That does not stop the advantages of this version, because it also has an even larger luggage compartment than the hybrid. The PHEV battery is located under the rear seat instead of under the luggage floor. That’s why you can store 617 instead of 587 liters in the plug-in hybrid CR-V, plus another 72 liters under the floor. Always handy for your charging cables.
As usual, the Honda CR-V comes with front or four-wheel drive. We don’t have more than that and the specifications already mentioned at the time of writing, but count on many similarities in terms of powertrain with the 2.0 e:HEV power source combination of the Civic and ZR-V. Detailed specifications will follow at a later stage. Just like the ZR-V and the electric n:Ey1, the new Honda CR-V will come to the Netherlands in 2023.
2023-05-12 07:00:40
#Honda #CRV #Europe #AutoWeek
