The Honda CR-V has received a complete redesign for the 2024 model year, arriving in South Africa dealerships as of today. Let’s take a look at the key changes and features.
The new CR-V is bigger, more spacious, and more handsome than before. It’s also more expensive, though it does gain two seats. We haven’t driven it yet, but this is what we’ve learnt so far.
Supersized
First off, it’s 115mm longer and 10mm wider than before, stretching from a length of 4 591 mm and a width of 1 855 mm to 4 706 mm and 1 865 mm. This ejects it from the company of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, and into the realm of seven-seaters, like the Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Price increase
The CR-V’s size increase – and the addition of two seats – also ups its price. Previously, there were four model derivatives, ranging from the CR-V 2.0 Comfort (R609 900) to the CR-V 1.5T Exclusive AWD (R838 900). In the new model range, there are just two versions, namely the 1.5T Executive CVT (R959 900) and the 1.5T Exclusive CVT (R1 039 900).
Engine and transmission
A 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 140 kW and 240 Nm powers the front wheels of both variants through a continuously variable gearbox (CVT). This means the all-wheel drive CR-V falls away. According to Honda, the engine was modified for increased power delivery and efficiency.
Tough competitors
Yes, the CR-V is bigger than before, but it also finds itself in illustrious company. Consider the top-spec Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D Executive. It sells for R931 900 and employs a powerful and fuel-efficient diesel engine.
The Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo XLT does not have the digital safety systems of the new CR-V, but it’s considerably bigger (almost 5m long) and has a tougher chassis. It goes for R899 000.
An up-specced VW Tiguan Allspace R-Line 1.4 TSI DSG can be had for well under R900 000.
These vehicles aren’t necessarily superior to the Honda, and the customer’s requirements are key, but it shows the CR-V will have have its work cut out.
Design
Honda says the new CR-V’s sleek roofline, complemented by a long hood, grants it a sportier profile, while repositioned A-pillars, combined with door-mounted mirrors, and streamlined window design significantly improve driver visibility. The fluid contours of the CR-V optimises performance by directing airflow, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency. Honda claims overall consumption of 7.3ℓ/100km.
Interior
Thanks to the increase in its physical size, the cabin has more room for its passengers, including a 15mm boost in second-row rear legroom. The rear seat backs now offer greater flexibility with eight recline angles for more passenger comfort. According to Honda, parents will also appreciate the enhanced ISOFIX anchors, designed for the swift and secure installation of child seats.
Honda claims that sound-absorbing materials in the fenders and floor, spray-type urethane foam for noise insulation, and new isolators that diminish engine noise make the new CR-V noticeably quieter. Additionally, the improved Active Noise Control (ANC) system, with a dedicated speaker and broadened volume and frequency coverage, reduces intrusive noises in the cabin, Honda reports.
Instruments and controls
The instrument panel is designed for minimal distraction, with reduced reflections and a high-resolution rear-view camera.
Touchpoints throughout the cabin use premium materials, with meticulous attention to the operation of controls, the tactile quality of switches, and the visual appeal of design elements like the honeycomb-embossed pattern and the honeycomb mesh accent on the dash.
The Exclusive grade features a 10.2-inch color TFT display. This includes a digital tachometer that displays revolutions per minute (rpm), numerical speedometer, and a range of information screens such as a trip computer and safety support.
Safety
Alerts (including the Honda SENSING function selection and operating status) appear in the centre of the digital display.
For the Exclusive version, Honda fitted a new head-up display (HUD) for enhanced driver safety and convenience. “Seamlessly integrated into the driver’s field of vision, the head-up display (HUD) projects crisp, clear details directly onto the windshield,” according to Honda. It adds that “This ensures that drivers can see important information, such as real-time speed monitoring and intuitive turn-by-turn navigation guidance, without taking their eyes off the road.”
The CR-V also gets a 9-inch touchs-creen audio system. Honda says this system is user-friendly, “boasting physical controls, a faster processor, and fewer embedded menus.”
Furthermore, the touch-screen offers wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and user-defined shortcuts. The system also utilises Smart Shortcuts, predicting user actions for a smoother experience, which is to be welcomed.
Advanced driver-assistance system
With the new CR-V, Honda offers potential buyers a comprehensive advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). Honda states that it has enhanced its SENSING system with a new front sensor camera and radar. Additions to this system include Low Speed Braking Control, an updated Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and new front knee airbags.
Honda claims that the SENSING system recognises vehicles, pedestrians, road boundaries, cyclists, and motorcycles.
The CR-V has LED headlights, but they are not of the adaptive kind.
To increase structural safety, Honda has optimised the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACETM) for oblique collisions, and the next-generation driver and passenger airbags reduce head rotation in a collision.
Specifications
1.5T Executive CVT
The Executive’s features include:
• 18” alloy wheels
• Tailgate spoiler
• Electric hands-free tailgate with walk away close & locking
• Privacy glass
• Roof rails
• Smart entry with walk-away auto locking
• LED headlights
• LED fog lights
• Auto high beam
• Premium “eco-friendly” leather seats
• Electric seat adjustment with heating function
• 9” Touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility
• 8-speaker premium sound system
• Wireless charger
• Active noise control
• 7” TFT display
• I-dual zone climate control with rear ventilation
• 360° view parking camera with front & rear parking sensors
• 8 x SRS airbags: front & side, curtain, front knee
• Honda SENSING: Forward collision warning, lane keeping assist system, collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, LaneWatch.
1.5T Exclusive CVT
In addition to the above, the Exclusive’s features include:
• 19” alloy wheels
• Front & rear sport bumpers • Dual tail pipe finisher
• Panoramic sunroof
• Interior ambient lighting
• 10.2” TFT multi-information display
• Head-up display
The Honda CR-V 1.5T Executive CVT costs R959 900 and the 1.5T Exclusive CVT R1 039 900.
