First shown at last month’s Auto Africa Expo at Nasrec, two models of the smartly facelifted and higher-specification Honda CR-V are now available in South Africa.

First shown at last month’s Auto Africa Expo at Nasrec, two models of the smartly facelifted and higher-specification Honda CR-V are now available in South Africa.


The Japanese softroader’s front end is characterised by a more prominent bumper and new foglamps. The headlamp clusters now have three-beam projector-style lights and a new grille with two chrome-trimmed bars.


At the rear, there is a new rear bumper and the high-mounted rear lights now have clear indicator covers and larger reverse lights. Other detail changes include a hard spare wheel cover, new door handles, sill and B-post trim, revised arch protectors and revamped front and rear mudguards.


The models are still powered by a 110-kW 2,0 litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission, but the unit is fitted with a drive-by-wire throttle which Honda claims results in smoother responses to accelerator inputs, particularly when pulling away from standstill.


The CR-V’s brakes have been uprated across the range, with 300 mm diameter ventilated discs at the front and 305 mm solid discs at the rear. In addition, 16-inch wheels fitted are standard.


With the introduction of 2005 CR-Vs, the maximum towing weight (braked) of the 2.0 litre automatic has been boosted to 1 500 kg to bring it into line with manual transmission models. Maximum trailer nose weight across the range is now 100 kg.


Honda’s self–engaging all-wheel drive system has been uprated to provide better acceleration and hill climbing performance on slippery surfaces, the manufacturer claims “as well as smoother responses and improved performance when accelerating around corners or turning out of slippery road junctions”.


The CR-V’s interior also receives a makeover with new seat and trim materials. The colour theme is either titanium – applied to seats, roof lining and door panels – with black fascia and carpets, or a dark grey and black contrast. Seats are trimmed in a soft, fine-weave material with tricot bolsters.


The main instrumentation, similar to that of the Accord, now appears as a darkened panel with the ignition off, transforming to a bright display when the doors are unlocked, and a higher contrast one when the ignition is switched on, due to the use of backlighting.



A criticism of the previous model CR-V was the driver’s rear visibility, but Honda has introduced “teardrop” shape rear seat headrests that do not obscure rearward vision when fully retracted.


Both models come equipped with climate control systems and in addition to front airbags, double pre-tensioners on front seatbelts, three rear 3-point seatbelts, Isofix child seat mountings (on outer rear seats) and whiplash-reducing front seats, the CR-Vs have been fitted with additional side and curtain airbags.


Prices:

CR-V 2,0 R279 000

CR-V 2,0 (Auto) R290 700

Original article from Car