Honda is hitting the fast lane in order to remain atop compact SUV sales. The Japanese automaker surprised many of us yesterday with the unveiling of the all-new, fifth-generation 2017 Honda CR-V.
Completely redesigned and reengineered, the popular CR-V will return to showrooms this winter with a bold new look that carries way more aggressiveness than its predecessor. Just look at the wildly styled headlights and taillights (with signature DEL lighting), more muscular fenders, extended wheelbase (with a shorter rear overhang), and dual exhaust. There are also new, higher-grade alloy wheels (17” or 18” in size depending on the trim level), while the Automatic Shutter Grille System and available Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate are both Honda firsts.
But wait, another Honda CR-V first can be found under the hood: In addition to the base 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, customers will have the option of a brand new 1.5L turbocharged engine with direct injection that produces 190 horsepower through a CVT. Honda is promising best-in-class fuel economy, although the exact ratings for Canada have yet to be announced.
The new 2017 CR-V is apparently more refined, flatter in corners, and more competent off-road, as well. An upcoming test drive will validate all these claims. Stay tuned.
Finally, we should mention that Honda has raised the bar inside where luxury and technology are concerned: more room, better materials, a TFT driver information interface, and a 7” touchscreen Display Audio system (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) that now comes with a physical volume knob. What’s more, all 2017 Honda CR-V models with all-wheel drive receive Honda Sensing (Collision Mitigation Braking, Forward Collision Warning, pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and more) as standard equipment.
What do you think of this bold redesign?