Honda reveals bolder CR-V Concept
Michael Bettencourt
Globe and Mail Update
Published Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2011 12:35PM EDT
Honda Canada has released details and a photo of a meaner, more sculpted CR-V Concept that previews what the next-generation CR-V will look like when it arrives in showrooms early next year.
The company also confirmed that the new CR-V will be built at its Alliston, Ont., plant, as will the Honda Civic, which shares the CR-V’s platform. It will also be built at the East Liberty plant in Ohio where the current CR-V is assembled, with Canadian production of CR-Vs coming online early in 2012.
Honda’s recent history of “concept” versions of production cars were little more than the real thing with larger wheels and tires, and darker tinted glass and headlights. If this “concept” CR-V follows that pattern, then the next CR-V certainly takes a more aggressive step forward in the styling department, with a radically upward-angled lower front clip that visually displaces the front bumper. This suggests a more adventurous approach angle to obstacles, though it is likely more a styling nod than a real improvement in off-road capability.
Honda claims it’s a more aerodynamic front face as well; the fuel economy and noise reduction benefits are more likely to place higher on the engineering (and consumer) priority list.
The next CR-V will also feature an all-new interior, says Honda, with “a more accommodating and spacious design.”
The company did not confirm or deny spy shot suggestions that there may be a small third-row available on the CR-V for the first time. Rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Dodge Journey have dabbled with third-row options, but most vehicles in the compact crossover class are strictly five-seaters.
No engine or fuel economy details were forthcoming, but Honda Canada also confirmed that a new Canada-only Touring model will be introduced for 2012. The CR-V seems destined to remain a four-cylinder-only vehicle that emphasizes fuel economy over power, so don’t expect a swift turbo or V-6 version to add extra oomph to what has long been a slow mover but quick seller.
With a record sales year in Canada last year, the CR-V is still proving popular in 2011 – it was the ninth best-selling truck in the market through the first half of this year, fourth-best if you exclude pickups and minivans, according to sales numbers compiled by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants.
This is remarkable, given that the CR-V is definitely grey-haired in engineering terms, yet still sells better than more modern, Canadian-built products such as the Chevrolet Equinox.
On the other hand, the typical Canadian compact crossover buyer is not one that seems to care much about how long before the next redesign, given that the best-selling small SUV through the end of June is still the Ford Escape, selling almost double the CR-V’s numbers. Granted, generous incentives are sweetening the Escape’s sales numbers, as Ford readies its replacement for next year.
But although the Escape was upgraded in 2009 with more powerful engines, a rear anti-roll bar and ditched its four-speed automatic, it’s running on the same platform that came out in 2001. That’s a full decade ago, or about double the age of a typical CR-V life cycle.
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