Staying in line with its Auto Expo 2018 announcement, Honda will launch its CR-V SUV in October 2018. The updated models will be more spacious and come equipped with automatic transmissions. However, this is not the main attraction. The main attraction is the introduction of the first diesel variant for any Honda offering in India. Additionally, the CR-V SUV will carry third-row seats. Honda is willing to lure a larger number of Indian families as well as gain a significant market share in the rapidly growing SUV segment.
Price Sensitivity remains an important factor in the Indian Automobile Sector. Honda has not ignored this fact and to keep the price of its latest offering under check Honda will instill a single-turbo 1.6-litre diesel engine on the CR-V rather than the costlier twin-turbo arrangement. This will check the price by 1.5 Lakh. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is from the Honda’s Earth Dreams engine family. Power ratings for the engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It churns out 120hp at 300 Nm. Pattleshifters will come as standard with AMT. However, Honda will offer the option of an all-wheel drive with the CR-V.
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If going by the Honda words, the new CRV is a class leading vehicle in terms of provided space for the occupants as the company has lengthened the SUVs wheelbase by 30mm. Thanks to improved wheelbase, the 2018 CRV will now be available with the seven-seat option as opposed to a conventional five-seat arrangement.
Besides the new 1.6-litre diesel engine variant, the Honda CR-V will also carry the traditional 2.0-litre engine-gearbox option. The petrol option will come mated with a continuously variable transmission. It churns out 154hp@189Nm. Available only as a front wheel drive, the absence of paddle shifters could disappointment few.
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Honda has disclosed little about the features and the price tag for the CR-V. However, we can expect the fourth generation CR-V to carry a price tag in the region of Rs 28 lakh. Key features will include a power driver’s seat, 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control. On Indian roads, the Honda CR-V will lock horns with the likes of Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Tucson, and VW Tiguan.