Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) recently launched the All-New CR-V in three fresh variants with two powertrain options. One of the variants was the top-spec 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT (full hybrid system) representing the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions towards zero environmental impact. Moreover, the proven and tested Honda Sensing comes standard with the newest Honda Connect telematics system.
“As a mobility manufacturer dedicated to the environment, Honda has for decades been engaged in developing a full range of vehicle electrification technologies. We are proud to launch the All-New Honda CR-V in the Philippines as this generation is one of many firsts. It is the first CR-V with e:HEV technology which delivers outstanding driver pleasure and exceptional environment performance, and i-VTEC Turbo power which provides agile acceleration and a sophisticated driving experience with also much environmental performance,” said HCPI president Rie Miyake.
‘Blown Away’ concept
Based on the grand concept of “Blown Away CR-V,” the All-New Honda CR-V is bigger in overall dimensions, including the wheelbase. Exterior-wise, the All-New Honda CR-V is now aligned with the brand’s design language. The fresh look features a prominent front grille with keen-looking headlamps. Its more muscular, bolder lines and sleek roofline emphasize the frame.
The interior is all about touches of high quality, toughness, and versatility, making the latest generation model the most premium and sophisticated yet. Honda claims that the new look projects Honda’s vision of making this model the ultimate all-rounder vehicle.
Full hybrid system
Intending to target carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050, the 6th-generation Honda CR-V is a significant step in the company’s electrification journey. The e:HEV full hybrid system highlights the e:Technology, which is Honda’s high-efficiency electrification solution for a carbon-neutral society. It is applied in a broad range of Honda products in automobiles and motorcycles, power products, and motorsports.
The top-spec model’s full hybrid system has a powerful combination of two electric motors (the Traction Motor and the Generator Motor) and a new 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle engine. Power-wise, the engine alone generates 146 hp and 183 Nm of torque, while the electric motors dish out 181 hp and 335 Nm of torque. While the motor operates throughout the low- to high-speed range, e:HEV relies on the gasoline engine alone for high-speed cruising.
The e:HEV full hybrid system also intelligently switches between three operating modes in various driving situations. The EV Drive Mode allows the vehicle to run solely on battery power. At the same time, the Hybrid Drive mode shifts power between the electric motor and the engine, and Engine Drive Mode utilizes the gasoline engine alone. Still available is the Drive Mode Switch between Sport Mode, Normal Mode, and Econ Mode.
The e:HEV system also self-charges via the regenerative braking system and traction motor (harvesting energy from braking and deceleration). Battery charging is also done by the gasoline engine, serving as a generator. Honda claims a fuel efficiency of 29.4 km/liter in urban driving based on the United Nations Regulation 101 uniform provisions concerning the measurement of fuel consumption of vehicles with positive-ignition and compression-ignition engines and electric power trains.
Exclusive to the top-spec 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT is the RS design grille, panoramic sunroof, piano black side mirrors with turn signals, gloss black finished door sash, front, and rear LED fog lamps, body-color rear spoiler with piano black accents, piano black shark fin antenna, and RS design 18-inch piano black alloy wheels.
Inside, available features are piano black and brushed metal trims, a new Honda Smart Key Card Entry, a head-up display, and a Bose Premium Audio System with 12 speakers. Also available are Intelligent Dual-Zone Automatic, black leather seats with red stitching, 4-way power lumbar support, two-row seating, up to 1,064 liters of cargo space, and a Power Flow Meter.
Connecting users with their cars
Also new to the CR-V is the Honda Connect, which uses smart telematics technology to connect users and their cars seamlessly via a smartphone application. Honda Connect enables vehicle communication, status checks, and even alert notifications via a smartphone.
Automatic collision detection automatically detects collisions and calls for help to ensure timely assistance whenever required. Security alarm detection sends an alert when the alarm is triggered, while speed alert allows the owner to maintain a safe speed and receives notifications if the limit is exceeded.
Other features are Find My Car, geofencing alert, and emergency call. Find My Car assists owners in locating their vehicles by sending a pin location to their mobile device. Geofencing alert, meantime, notifies the owner of being beyond a set area limit, while emergency calls makes it easier to access emergency contacts through the app.
As for convenience features, Honda Connect includes car status, remote vehicle control, and service reminders. Car status alerts the owner of anything that requires attention and doubles as the vehicle’s diagnostic support system. This feature can also remotely check the fuel level, battery, lock, and airbag status.
Remote vehicle control allows the owner to control various limited functions of their vehicle via the smartphone app. It includes remote engine start and stop, remote air conditioner control, remote lock/unlock, and remote light control.
Last, the service reminder automatically reminds the owner about maintenance due and can schedule an appointment with their nearest official service center.
Driver-assistive technology
All variants have the latest Honda Sensing driver-assistive technology, with a new front sensor camera and radar system. The new camera has a wider field of view than before, from 50 degrees to 90 degrees. Meanwhile, the radar mounted behind the Honda logo on the grille now has a field of view of 120 degrees, up by 70 degrees from the previous generation. Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are now better detected.
Honda Sensing functions include collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), lane keeping assist system (LKAS), road departure mitigation system with lane departure warning (RDM with LDW), adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow (ACC with LCF), lead car departure notification system (LCDN), and auto high beam (AHB).
For the first time, the adaptive driving beam (ADB), exclusively for the RS e:HEV CVT variant, is an intelligent LED headlight that helps enhance visibility and adjust the height of the light beam to avoid dazzling the car in front and pedestrians.
Pricing and new color
A new Canyon River Blue Metallic color is available, while the Platinum White Peal is still available for a P20,000 premium. The All-New CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT variant retails at P2.590 million, the 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD at P2.280 million, and the 1.5 V Turbo CVT at P2.1 million. The 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT variant, available in October, also comes with an eight-year or 200,000-km battery warranty (whichever comes first). (Story, photos, and video by Randy Peregrino)