Honda unveils all-new CR-V

Here it is -- Honda's keenly anticipated all-new CR-V compact SUV.

The third-generation model will make its world debut on September 28 at the Paris motor show, and it's expected to debut locally towards the end of the year, or in early 2007.

Honda claims the newcomer offers a "driving experience as good as a D-sector (large) saloon car, improved equipment levels and Honda's latest advanced safety technology."

The once-dominant CR-V faces a stiff challenge as it has been usurped in recent times by a horde of rivals. It notched up just 5880 Australian sales until the end of July this year -- well adrift of the Toyota RAV4 (9194), Subaru Forester (7600) and Nissan X-Trail (6593).

Given the heightened level of competition, Honda says it has raised the bar by delivering a vehicle that it claims is "better on the road, has a more sophisticated interior and it's even more practical".

We'll get to the visual changes shortly, but of more importance is a lower centre of gravity (reduced by 35mm), wider stance (increased by 30mm) and a number of changes to steering and suspension geometry that are said to enhance the CR-V's handling characteristics.

Honda boasts steering response is faster and feels more direct, while directional stability and all-round agility are claimed to benefit from further development to the car's chassis.

Its off-road credentials (limited though they may be) should benefit from a revised Real Time 4WD system that detects front wheel slip and promptly sends torque rearwards.

The new system -- which, like the outgoing model, features a dual-pump system with a one-way cam unit -- can transfer 20 per cent more torque to the rear wheels compared to the existing unit.

The CR-V will be offered with two engines internationally -- a 2.0-litre petrol unit and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel. We're assured of getting the former, and Honda Australia execs have expressed interest in offering a diesel locally, so the latter may find its way Down Under as well.

The petrol engine is an all-new unit based on the i-VTEC motor from the Civic range and it puts out 110kW at 6200 rpm (lower in the rev range than the current 2.0), while torque is 190Nm at 4200 rpm.

Honda claims the petrol CR-V's 0-100km/h time drops from the outgoing model's 10.8 seconds to 10.2 seconds (manual) and from 13.1 to 12.2 seconds (automatic). Fuel economy is also claimed to be better than that of the superseded model.

Transmission choices comprise a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic.

The 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel pumps out 103kW and is also said to be more frugal than its predecessor, thanks to aerodynamic efficiency that's improved by 12 per cent.

Visually, the new CR-V clearly stands apart from the somewhat staid-looking current model. Most notable is the coupe-like tapering side window profile and the unusual double-grille treatment of its face. (It has to be said there's a slight similarity to Holden's new Captiva from certain angles.)

At the rear, a vertically-opening tailgate is the main design feature, sandwiched between roof-high strips of lights, and notably, the spare wheel has gone -- it's now hidden under the load compartment floor.

Two active safety systems are available on the new CR-V, and Honda claims they're unique to the SUV segment.

The first, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a radar-controlled cruise control function which maintains a set distance to the vehicle in front, while Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) predicts collisions and warns the driver, before applying strong braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation becomes critical. Both these systems are optional depending on grade.

Other safety kit includes dual-stage front airbags, side airbags for front-seat passengers, full-length curtain airbags, front and rear seatbelt reminders and active front headrests -- all fitted as standard.

The new CR-V also incorporates Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) as standard which together with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ensures that towing safety is continuously monitored and corrected.

Honda says it anticipates a class-leading Euro NCAP 5-star rating for occupant protection, 4-stars for child protection and a 3-star pedestrian rating.

Active Front Lighting (AFS) -- headlights that turn to illuminate the road in the direction the vehicle is heading -- also make their way onto the CR-V for the first time. This system uses High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.

Inside the cabin, accommodation remains generous and the dimensions are reportedly similar to the previous CR-V. Load space, however, is extended backwards to take up the space left by the former tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Access has been improved by larger doors that open wider, and lower sills.

Depending on grade, more premium equipment is available, including a driver's eight-way adjustable power seat, leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera.

The rear seat (split 60:40 at base, 40:20:40 seat back) is able to slide forward to maximise leg room or luggage space and can also recline for added comfort. A huge load area can be created by tumbling forward the seats, storing them upright. This is claimed to be big enough for two mountain bikes with their front wheels still in place.