New CR-V to boost Honda sales

Honda Australia expects a 20 per cent uplift in its total annual vehicle sales this year following this week’s introduction of the all-new fifth-generation CR-V.

Available in seven-seat form for the first time, the all-new mid-size SUV is a long-awaited addition to Honda’s ageing portfolio, joining the revitalised Civic, sales of which are up more than 350 per cent year-to-date in a struggling small car segment.

Last year, the stalwart Japanese brand sold 40,838 units and expects to reach 48,000 sales by the end of the year, driven largely by its two newest vehicles.

Honda Australia Director, Stephen Collins, believes sales of the new CR-V will begin at around 500-600 units a month for the initial sales period, rising to an eventual running rate of around 1200 units a month.

That would see it more than double the current model’s sales in run-out so far this year, but fall well short of sales leaders like the Hyundai Tucson, which found 3741 buyers last month), Mazda CX-5 (2487), Toyota RAV4 (2460), Mitsubishi Outlander (2317), Nissan X-TRAIL (2126), Kia Sportage (1776) and Subaru Forester (1452).

“We have good pre-orders. Somewhere between 800 and 900 orders, so we think it will get off to a strong start. That will give us a much stronger second half of the year than first half and our aim is to get to that 48,000,” said Collins.

Powered exclusively by a 140kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, the new CR-V will be available with a choice of five and seven seats, as well as front- and all-wheel drive.

Five variants will be available, ranging in price from $30,690 to $44,290 plus on-road costs.

“The all-new CR-V represents brilliant value, especially for customers looking for a premium SUV experience for under $35,000,” said Collins.

In fact, the entry VTi grade in the new CR-V range more closely matches the previous generation VTi-S, while adding $3700 of value over its predecessor.”

Among these new features are keyless entry, Active Noise Control, dual-zone climate-control, alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Pricing opens at $30,690 plus on-road costs for the five-seat CR-V VTi. This model is front-wheel drive only and is equipped with standard keyless entry/start, Active Noise Control, dual-zone climate-control, reversing camera, 7.0-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Driver Attention Monitor, tyre pressure monitoring, trailer stability assist, eight-speaker audio, electric parking brake, front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare.

Also a five-seater, the CR-V VTi-S is the expected volume seller in the range. Standard features fitted in addition to the VTi specification include 18-inch alloy wheels, electric tailgate, integrated satellite-navigation, front/rear parking sensors and Lane Watch.

The CR-V VTi-L is the first seven-seat variant available on CR-V and is front-wheel drive only. Standard features over and above the VTi-S grade comprise seven seats, a panoramic sunroof, leather-appointed upholstery for the seats, heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers.

The front seats are also electrically adjustable, with the driver’s seat adjustable in eight directions with position memory and the passenger’s seat adjustable in four directions.

As the flagship of the range, the CR-V VTi-LX is an all-wheel drive, five-seat variant which adds Honda Sensing driver assist technologies including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning with steering assist. LED headlights with active cornering lights, LED front fog lights, digital radio (DAB+), privacy glass and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror round out the upgrades on the VTi-L.

Honda CR-V pricing (plus ORCs):
VTi five-seat 2WD – $30,690
VTi-S five-seat 2WD – $33,290
VTi-S five-seat AWD – $35,490
VTi-L seven-seat 2WD – $38,990
VTi-LX five-seat AWD – $44,290