Honda’s next-gen CR-V to be a “top seller”

Honda Australia believes the next-generation CR-V due in 2017 can mix it with the most popular SUVs in its segment.

Endowed with a new ‘fun to drive’ character and a renewed focus on performance and driver engagement, the CR-V is capable of being a ‘top player’ in the ultra-competitive medium SUV segment, according to Honda Australia director Stephen Collins.

It will land around the second half of next year and is likely to be offered exclusively with a petrol engine and potentially with a choice of five and seven seats for the first time.

“I can't see any reason why we can't get double-digit market share in the private market, and if we do that we'll be one of the top players,” Collins told reporters this week.

“I think performance is one area that we’re looking to improve. The ride, the handling – I think what we’re looking for is ‘fun to drive’. We believe we delivered that with the Civic.

"And I think when we talk about CR-V, it’s that fun-to-drive aspect combined with quality, a premium interior and all that sort of stuff which you’ll see.”

The CR-V is expected to be revealed at either the upcoming LA motor show or Detroit motor show. Recent spy pics reveal it will offer a svelte exterior design and larger proportions than the current model in a bid to overthrow Mazda's CX-5 and Hyundai's Tucson.

The emphasis on performance means the Japanese manufacturer could ditch the current 2.4-litre petrol option currently offered in Australia. Speculation instead points to 1.5- and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder mills.

“Our core business now, and we think ongoing, is petrol. Diesel is reducing in most segments. So we’re looking at diesel, but our core focus for CR-V has been and will be petrol,” Collins said.

Honda confirmed it also had put together a business case for its parent company to explore a larger SUV to sit above the CR-V in Australia, the most likely candidate being a right-hand drive version of the Ridgeline ute-based Pilot SUV.

However, on face value it seemed there was not enough volume in Australia alone to satisfy right-hand drive production.

“I think a case would need to be put together where there’s a number of right-hand drive markets in our area, [so we’d] be able to get it, land it and put it on sale with the right package at the right price, so there’d still be a number of hurdles,” said general manager of customer communications, Scott Collins.

“[A seven-seat CR-V] is certainly part of the discussion, but in terms of final specs for the Australian market, that’s something we still need to work through.”

As for the CR-V’s looks – the current model has divided opinion since its introduction in 2013 – Collins hinted the successor would be more appealing to the eye.

“I think it’s a great-looking thing. I think what you’ll see is it’s a bit more dynamic, rugged and distinctive, and I think that’s a great thing,” he said.