LA MOTOR SHOW: Honda CR-V goes "upscale"

Honda launched the fourth generation CR-V softroader and the production version of its Jazz EV at the Los Angeles Motor Show in California today.

Though images of the CR-V have been circulating for some weeks, the LA unveiling was the first official showing of the car upon which a fair swag of Honda Australia's fortunes ride.

Dubbed "All-New, Completely Redesigned" in the marketing bumpf, the 2012-model Honda CR-V returns to the second generation for its front end styling, while (unfortunately for Honda Oz) the rear looks as clumsy in the metal as it does in images. A stunner it ain't...

With that in mind Honda Australia may well be playing up the improvements to the cabin and the addition of some clever electronic and connective technologies. Least that's what American Honda is up to...

The new CR-V is powered by a 136kW/223Nm 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. No news on diesel options in LA – we'll have to wait for the European shows for more on that.

In the USA both front and all-wheel drive variants will be offered. US specs claim improvements in fuel economy.

The cabin has been upgraded – though it's not clear of how much we can draw from the US example in 'guessing' what the Aussie CR-V is like. Honda Australia will not comment on the likely model range or specifications it will adopt, simply saying "CR-V is expected in the second half of 2012".

On the US-spec car Eco Assist is one new feature onboard the CR-V. Like Honda's hybrid models the system indicates when the vehicle is being operated in an efficient style via “green” visual cues surrounding the speedometer.

"A selectable ECON mode alters operating characteristics of the vehicle to support an efficient driving style," Honda said.

In addition to standard BlueTooth, the new CR-V also features a system which uses a computer generated voice to read received texts from compatible mobile phones over the audio system. Can't wait for the Star Wars character version!

Honda USA says the 60:40 splitfold second row seating stows "nearly flat" to increase available load space.

Overall the new car is a touch shorter than the current model but rides on the same wheelbase. Track and height are all but unchanged.

Also launched in Los Angeles was the production version of Honda's first electric car, the Fit EV. The plug-in electric Fit [Jazz Down Under] will be available for customer to lease (not buy) in California from the middle of 2012.

The Fit EV is powered by a 20kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92kW electric motor. The motor is derived from the unit used in Honda's FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle.

To help maximise driving range, the Fit EV adopts a three-mode drive system that is adapted from the soon-to-be-launched Down Under CR-Z Sports Hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal and Sport modes to "maximize efficiency or improve acceleration".

Honda claims the vehicle has a "city" range of over 190km and a combined range of over 120km.

"The Fit EV is based on the popular Fit hatchback and is a part of the company’s diverse portfolio of alternative fuel vehicles that includes gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell-electric and natural gas-powered models," said American Honda.

Honda estimates the Fit EV will cost around $400/mth to lease.

"Honda will monitor market acceptance, but expects volume at this early stage of production to be approximately 1100 Fit EVs over the next three years," the carmaker said.

The Fit EV can be fully recharged from empty in as little as three hours on 240V home power. Via FIT EV smartphone and computer applications, the driver will be able to remotely view the vehicle's state of charge. He or she will also be able to: "initiate charging and activate the air conditioning and heater, to pre-condition the vehicle while connected to the grid, which maximizes battery range on start-up."

The car also comes equipped with a satnav system that provides the ability to locate public charging stations and frequently update traffic information.

More LA Motor Show news on motoring.com.au

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