Honda: No diesel for CR-V

Honda Australia will not import the upcoming turbodiesel version of its popular CR-V softroader. The Japanese importer ruled out the addition of the oiler CR-V to its local line-up this morning, citing cost as the main impediment.

The 2010 model CR-V is gearing up for its Frankfurt motor show debut this week ahead of a continental market launch early in 2010. As part of the update, Honda will pair the CR-V's 2.2-litre turbodiesel powerplant with a five-speed automatic gearbox for the first time. For some years, Honda Australia has declined to import the turbodiesel CR-V in a manual-only configuration.

Honda Australia's National Public Relations Manager, Mark Higgins, this morning told the Carsales Network that the new diesel CR-V would still not be sold in Australia.

"Built in England, engine and all, for us to get that car [diesel CR-V] from England would result in an increase in price -- from the freight and other areas -- which would render it too expensive," said Higgins.

He said that the reason behind the new diesel's no show Down Under was a "business case call" and that the numbers for a profitable product didn't add up.

This marks a missed opportunity for Honda Australia, which could have potentially boosted sales with the advent of a diesel CR-V. The 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel i-DTEC engine outputs 110kW/350Nm, is Euro 5 compliant and can be paired to either a six-speed manual or the new five-speed automatic. The latter is made in-house at Honda in Swindon, UK.

Honda's updated European-spec CR-V also gets a mid-life update which includes mild changes to the exterior design, such as restyled front and rear fascias and new alloy wheel designs. The interior of the 2010 Honda CR-V will feature an improved audio system and more sound damping materials will be used throughout the interior, creating a quieter cabin, says the carmaker.

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