all new honda crv suv

WHEN: March, 2012

HOW MUCH: Rs 22-25 lakh

ENGINE: 2.4-litre iVTEC petrol

COMPETITION: Hyundai Santa Fe, Renault Koleos, Chevrolet Captiva, Nissan X-Trail, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Outlander

These are official pictures and full detailed specifications of the all-new Honda CR-V, which will be shown to the public for the first time at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. As you can see, Honda has chosen not to drastically alter the new CR-V's looks, and have deliberately been conservative with it, like the recently launched new Honda Civic as well. This is because Honda does not want to harm its US sales in any way. The US is the single largest market for the CR-V, and indeed, it is the largest selling SUV in its class in America. The demographic of those buyers prefers evolution rather than revolution, and so Honda has chosen to stick with what will likely work most in its market.

The split grille however has been done away with for the new for 2012 CR-V, and personally, we feel that the new chin looks much better. Visually, the biggest changes to the new CR-V can be seen at the rear, with the almost Volvo-esque tail lamps. The swooping roof line and stylised D-pillar have been carried forward as well.

The interiors are where Honda has tried to infise as much new energy into the CR-V's design as possible, with a new centre console and dashboard which moves the goal posts even further from other car makers for futuristic design. A cool new ana-digi speedo / odo cluster is complemented by a big touch-screen anvigation cum inftainment system up front. Steering mounted audio controls are present as well.

The new for 2012 Honda CR-V also has flexible seating, with a rear bench that flips / folds / slides as desired at the touch of a button. This feature afford the new CR-V owner huge flexibility to move things around as desired.

Under the skin, Honda has worked hard to improve the CR-V in most areas. The all-wheel drive system has been reworked to send power to the rear wheels more often that earlier, when power was apportioned rear ward only when the front wheels began t slip. The new AWD system is more repsonsive, Honda claims, making for better performance and control. The new CR-V's dmapers have been retuned as well, with longer travel, making the SUV more comfortable without compromising on its sporty handling. The hydraulic power steering has also been done away with, in favour of a new electrically-assisted system.

Honda has also lavished some attention on the CR-V's 2.4-litre in-line four iVTEC engine. It now produces more power, up 5 PS to 185 PS, and is cleaner as well. Honda claims the new CR-V should see an improvement in fue economy by at least 1.5 kpl over the out going model. There's no talk about the diesel yet, but autojunction.in undestands that Honda is unlikely to offer a diesel version in India just yet. The new CR-V has already been launched in the US , but it'll be a few months before it comes to India. The new CR-V will also be fully imported like its predecessor. Sales will likely commence sometime in March 2012. Expect a 5 to 10 % increase in price
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