When Honda presented the new generation of its emblematic CR-V in Argentina in the middle of this year, in Clarion We were glad to see it for a little while. Not because the new model is not a good evolution, quite the opposite. But details that made this SUV famous were missing.
Elements such as four-wheel drive, high-end finishes and differences in the propulsion system were saved for what is now the top-of-the-range version: the CR-V Advance Hybrid.
Not only is it the most equipped variant of this SUV family, but its name also highlights that it has a hybrid system of propulsion. What is not made clear in its nomenclature is that it is also a vehicle with four wheel drive. Another AWD version with a gasoline engine will soon be added.
This new version of the CR-V, along with the arrival of the latest generation of the Civic, represents for the Japanese brand its entry into the world of electromobility in the local market. A strategy that will soon also feature the Accord, also in a hybrid version.
The appearance of the new generation of the CR-V was one more link in the chain of launches that the Japanese brand began last year to reverse the reality it had had in terms of automobile supply in recent years.
Clearly it was not just any link, since this SUV was key to forging the brand image “semi premium” that Honda has in our market. For years it was the aspirational model of many Argentine families.
The different from the family
This arrival anticipated the appearance of the most equipped version of the CR-V, a model that can be easily distinguished from the rest of the range thanks to a series of aesthetic differentials.
Economical. Average consumption is 6.5 L/100 km.To begin with, the roof bars, which although they barely stand out, make a lot of difference compared to the other versions that do not have them. The wheels are dark and larger (19 inches), versus the smaller aluminum ones (18”) of the single-wheel drive versions.
In the nose, although the style does not completely change, the grill shows design differences and the lights also have a darker background. Of course, the “AWD” and “Hev” emblems, due to their hybrid technology, also contribute to differentiation.
Inside, the design does not change with respect to what is already known. Its style remains sober although in this case the novelty is in the combination of textures and appliqués that add more category.
In this case, the instrument panel is 100% digital, although with few configuration options, and the touch screen of the multimedia center will be small for many. What does add is the Head Up Display, which projects information on the windshield.
The interior maintains a sober design, although the combination of textures and appliqués that add more category.The rear seats maintain a very good space and the possibility of reclining the backrests, in addition to a door opening of almost 90° that facilitates access. The disadvantage of this version is that it does not have a spare wheel, since the hybrid system forces the fuel tank to be delayed and this takes up part of the crop intended for a possible spare wheel.
But the big news is in its propulsion system. Not only because the brand debuts hybrid technology in our market, but also because its system differs a little from others.
The key in this case is in a most powerful electric motorof about 184.5 horsepower, which allows it to be used most of the time. And although the gasoline engine (2.0 liters) can also drive the wheels, its main function is to generate electricity. There are few moments in which both motors push together and it is always in specific cases of high demand. In any case, the power of 184.5 horsepower is never exceeded.
This version has 19” blacked-out wheels (18” in single-wheel drive variants). The automatic transmission is a CVT but it does not provide that moped effect that this type of transmissions usually give when faced with high accelerations. What’s more, if the acceleration is deep, it simulates gear steps when it reaches the cut as if it had common gears.
The two-wheel drive system is automatic, working on demand by distributing power between both axles, and mechanical, through a multi-disc clutch. It does not depend on whether it has energy stored in the battery as happens with other hybrid SUVs with 4×4 traction. But it is not a vehicle to perform great feats off the asphalt, since it is limited by its tires and its ground clearance.
Its ride is comfortable, with a robust ride and a high level of soundproofing. But clearly what will make the difference: 6.5 L/100 km averagepractically half of what an equivalent gasoline model needs.
Technical sheet
- Largo: 4.706 mm
- Ancho: 1.866 mm
- Alto: 1. 684 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
- Weight: 1,824 kg
- Volume: 581 dm3
- Fuel tank: 53 liters
- Motor 1: 2.0L, nafta
- Power: 148 HP
- Motor 2: Electric
- Power: 184.5 HP
- Transmission: Automatic, CVT
- Traction: Integral
- Maximum speed: 187 km/h
- Average consumption: 6.5 L/100 km
Main equipment
- ABS and stability control (ESP)
- Front and front side airbags
- Curtain airbags
- adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency brake
- Lane keeping system
- Hill Start Assist
- descent control
- Head-up Display
- Two-zone climate control
- Leather upholstery
- Panoramic sliding roof
- Trunk with electric opening
- 9″ multimedia screen
- Android Auto y Apple CarPlay
- 12 BOSE speakers and subwoofer
- Wireless cell phone charger
