Honda Announces 3rd Generation CR-V

It was back in 1997 when Honda first introduced the CR-V in North America, and it certainly made a splash. It was one of first compact SUVs on the market, and it, alongside a couple of other vehicles, would forever change the way people would think about sport utes. Three generations, eleven years, and some 2.5 million units later, its still one of the most popular vehicles in its class.

Hondas primary goal with the new CR-V is to make it more car-like. Some of the key changes to the design include a more rigid frame thats composed of 58-percent high-tensile steel, 1.2-inch wider tracks (in front and behind), and a re-worked suspension system that gives the car a center of gravity that is 1.73 inches lower. All of these changes should help Hondas little ute feel more stable in the bends, while a more direct steering rack should dial up the fun factor. Meanwhile, the styling has been revised to give the CR-V more of a tall wagon look, through its more rakish roofline, ovoid-shaped rear window, and sleeker nose. The CR-V is also shorter than before as Honda has relocated the bulky spare tire to the inside of the vehicle.

Better quality materials and an infusion of flair are the first things that will be noticed inside the new CR-V. Like the Element, the gearshift is now located at the base of the center console, while Civic-inspired instruments and steering wheel give the cabin a truly modern look.

Unlike some of its competitors, such as the Toyota RAV-4, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, the CR-V will only be offered with a single, but economical inline-four engine. Like the current model, it is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with iVTEC, though a slight increase in the engines compression has enabled it to generated 10 additional horsepower and an another pound-foot of torque for a grand total of 166 hp, and 161 lb-ft. Current owners might be a little disappointed to find out that the five-speed manual gearbox will be dropped from the lineup, leaving the five-speed automatic as the sole transmission choice. Buyers still have the option of deciding between FWD, or Hondas RealTime 4WD system.

While the CR-V will be Hondas entry-level SUV in North America, elsewhere in the world it has become an advanced, and technologically sophisticated luxury compact SUV. Overseas in Europe, the car will be available with Adaptive Cruise Control, a radar-based system which maintains distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front, and Collision Mitigation Braking Systems, which can warn the driver, apply the brakes to slow the vehicle in the event of an unavoidable collision. Other key specifications we wont be getting include a panoramic glass skylight, and adaptive headlights, but our top of the line EX-L model is available with a reverse camera and a navigation system.

Look for the new CR-V to be in dealerships by the end of this month.