More details emerge about the 2012 Honda CR-V

The 2012 Honda CR-V Crossover Concept’s solitary image has been leaked by Honda to build buzz around Honda’s most popular Crossover. Along with that, Honda has also slipped in a few details about the Crossover that prospective 2012 CR-V buyers would be very eager to know. For the Indian car market of course, Honda will launch the 2012 CR-V sometime later next year, even as the international launch of this car is scheduled for later this year.

The 2012 Honda CR-V will be lighter and feature a more fuel efficient. Lighter also could mean faster. So, expect the 2012 Honda CR-V to be quicker off the block than the current version. This apart, the 2012 Honda CR-V will also continue to feature a diesel engine for the European market, which is something Honda India will be seriously contemplating for India, considering the plastering the petrol version is now getting from the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Chevrolet Captiva.

The 2012 CR-V is also touted to arrive with new interiors that will be more versatile and spacious. Honda also has added a “more accommodating” tag to the Honda CR-V’s interiors and whether this means an addition of two more seats at the rear to take the seating capacity of the Crossover to seven adults, is something we still need to wait and watch. Other than this, the 2012 CR-V will also feature a lower cargo area at the rear for easier access.

Meanwhile, here's what Honda America’s Executive Vice-president for Sales, John Mendel has had to say about the upcoming 2012 Honda CR-V.

The 2012 CR-V Concept introduces the exterior styling for the more sophisticated and dynamic design of the upcoming production model. Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda’s latest technologies for convenience and refinement.

Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/honda-crv-46040/#more-46040

2012 Honda CR-V Concept - Official Image and Info

Honda calls it a concept, but this is the next CR-V.
BY JUSTIN BERKOWITZ, PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT WHITLEY, KGP PHOTOGRAPHY, AND THE MANUFACTURER July 2011

Honda has released a picture of the concept version of its next-generation CR-V, and it looks, well, pretty much like we expected based on recent spy photos. The vehicle seen here is, as is typical with Honda’s concepts, a loosely disguised version of the production car.

That’s not to say that when the fourth-generation CR-V arrives at dealerships some time in late 2011, it will be festooned with some of the concept’s more colorful design elements. Items like the smoked-out headlights, prominent front skid plate, gargantuan wheels, and polished black lower trim likely will remain the domain of the show car. Otherwise, though, what you see here is what we’ll get.

Despite a relatively significant change in the CR-V’s design—it’s major by Honda’s conservative standards, at least—the new car will be mechanically similar to the one it replaces. Front-wheel drive definitely will again be standard, with optional all-wheel drive returning to the menu, too. It’s doubtful that Honda will make any major changes in the engine department from last year’s car, meaning that buyers will probably get a 2.4-liter inline four good for about 180 hp. Unlike the 2011 CR-V, which had a five-speed automatic transmission, the new model is likely to receive a six-speed unit. If Honda does go this route, you can expect a modest boost in fuel economy over the current CR-V’s 21 mpg city/28 highway for front-drive models and 21/27 for those with AWD.

While the CR-V has never fully roused the enthusiast’s soul, it has always been one of the more involving small crossovers to pilot. (Pun intended as an excuse to post a link to the face-lifted 2012 Pilot, which Honda also announced.) At the same time, the CR-V has been one of the more practical and easy-to-use small utes, too, a factor we’re sure is of higher importance to most of the people with one in their driveway. (There are a lot of those people: 227,760 CR-Vs were sold in the past 12 months alone.) We don’t expect those traits to change with this next-gen model, although we’ll have to wait until Honda decides to show us the production model to find out for sure.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q2/2012_honda_cr-v_concept-official_image_and_info

TOV and Priddy: New Spy Shots! 2012 Honda CR-V!

Out of respect for TOV and Brenda Priddy, I have supplied the link to the 3X Spy photo's;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=991215

Close-up: 2012 Honda CR-V!!
Honda has been doing a good job of hiding the next-generation CR-V, but today, we've finally gotten close up to a lightly disguised prototype! The biggest changes appear to be at the rear, where Honda almost looks to be taking a page from the Volvo design handbook.

It's possible that the extra space in the back is making room for a 3rd row. There seems to be some significant changes up front as well. The 2.4L four-cylinder VTEC motor should continue to be the only choice. Though we expect it to get a modest bump over the current 180hp, as well as a modest gains in fuel economy.

While the earthquake in Japan has delayed the start of production by about a month, expect the new CR-V to start rolling down the assembly line in Ohio, as well as Alliston, Ontario, in late Fall of this year.
Photo Credit: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company

2012 Honda CRV Rearend Spyshot

Spied somewhere in China where apparently the current CRV is very popular.

Source (via www.burlappcars.com);
http://auto.163.com/

2012 Honda CRV and Volvo XC60 Similarities

Nice read, and shocking how similar the CRV and the Volvo XC60 really are....
This, we are told, is the new 2012 model year Honda CR-V, known internally at Honda as the 2WS. Yes, that wedge shaped rear does remind us of a Volvo XC60. According to the folks at Autoblog, the elongated D-pillar suggests a third row seat. We think that's quite a possibility given that the CR-V's main rival, the Toyota RAV4, comes with a third row seat option in the US. Although it needs to be noted that US market RAV4 is slightly longer than their Japanese / European market equivalents.

On critics saying that the CR-V apes too much of a Volvo XC60 - give the same brief to two different designers working separately, to design a mid size urban soft-roader SUV that appeals to the masses, I reckon that both will still come to a similar solution. Being a mass volume product, cost is imperitive, so tail lamps stretching horizontally across the tailgate will be ruled out due to assembly and wiring harness cost. The only way left to go is for the tail lamps to be stacked vertically. Fuel economy concerns will dictate that a gradually slopping rear is favoured to reduce aero-drag. Plus the side windows profile and overall silhoutte needs has to project a youthful-sporty appeal. Hence that pronounced shoulder line that rises upwards to the rear to give the illusion of motion. Thus explains similarity. Sure there are other ways to achieve the same, but one needs to consider the complexity of the design which will then affect the steel stamping, logistics (flat body panels are favoured as they take up less space) and assembly take time.

On this side of the world, punitive taxes on imported vehicles coupled by the fact that the aside from China, Japan is the only source for right hand drive Toyota RAV 4 meant that Honda's hold on the passenger car based / unibody SUVs is uncontested. Nissan X-Trail is a bit more utilitarian, and the local distributors of Nissan Edaran Tan Chong Motor have sort of dropped the ball with the second generation X-Trail. In its heydays, Nissan used to shift almost 300 units of the first generation X-Trail a month. Now it registers just barely above 100 units a month. So by default, it is going to be another winner. Those in the know however, who are brave enough to break away from the herd mentality will opt for the Hyundai Tucson / ix35. Brilliant car in our opinion. It's cheaper and backed by a 5-years warranty.

Powertrain for the 2012 CR-V will be carried over from the current generation model, meaning a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and in some markets, a 2.4-liter as well. European markets will receive a diesel option. Expected public launch will be in the coming 2011 Tokyo Motor Show this December. Local market launch should start sometime around Q2 2012. That is of course, assuming that the Mayans were wrong about the world collapsing by 2012.

Source;
http://www.theautoindustrieblog.com/2011/05/honda-cr-v-2012-spyshot.html

Honda CRV Hotwheels style

I've seen a lot of body kits on Civic's, Fit's, Accords, Preludes, even Ridgelines, this is my first really pimped out body kit for a CRV that I've seen....
Source;
http://www.blazingtype-r.com/2009/02/custom-bodykit-for-crv-2007.html

Another 2012 Honda CRV pic

Well, the pic above was on Woody's Car Site;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/03/201213-honda-crv.html
obiously the pic is a shrunken version of the pic below.
I gotta say, I have seen this pic a few times now, and where there's this much smoke, usually there's fire, in other words, look for this to be a strong indication to what the 2012 CRV will indeed look like.

All-new Honda CR-V coming this Fall

Honda looks to be hanging its recovery hopes on the U.S. light truck market. According to Automotive News, North America was the only market to see sales growth for the company during the last quarter. The six-percent jump was fostered largely by the Odyssey and the CR-V, and Honda hopes to be able to keep up that momentum with a new version of the popular CUV. Reportedly set to debut by fall of this year, the 2012 CR-V will be a complete generational model change, though the company hasn't revealed too many details about the new vehicle just yet.

Globally, Honda has seen its sales fall off by around seven percent, with operating profit declining by 29 percent. The company hopes that focusing on light trucks will help boost the company's total U.S. volume to 1.28 million vehicles by the end of its fiscal year.

News of the next-generation CR-V goes a long way toward explaining why the 2010 and 2011 models received such skimpy updates. Engineers managed to pull another 14 horsepower from the engine and designers slapped on a slightly adjusted grille, but otherwise the vehicle has stuck pretty close to its 2009 recipe. Keep your ear to the ground for more information on the next-gen crossover.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/report-all-new-honda-cr-v-coming-next-fall/

Charting the Changes into the 2010 Honda CRV for Canada

Well, here are the changes/additions to the trim levels on the CRV.
Source;
Honda Canada

2010 Honda CR-V Offers More Sophistication and Refinement with Upgrades to Style, Features and Power

09/10/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
The Honda CR-V adds to its compact crossover SUV credentials for the 2010 model year with refinements and upgrades to the exterior and interior, new features, better fuel economy, and more power.

Exterior styling enhancements include a freshened front fascia with a new grille and bumper design, a re-sculpted hood, and a new rear bumper shape. A 10-spoke alloy wheel design, standard on CR-V EX and EX-L, replaces the previous 7-spoke alloy wheel design. Interior improvements focus on new features and functionality. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® is now included on models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. Auto on/off headlights have been added to the CR-V EX-L and the front seats have wider center armrests on all models.

Upgrades to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine improve power output to 180 horsepower (hp), a 14 hp increase. City/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings increase to 21/28 miles per gallon1 (mpg) on 2WD models and 21/27 mpg1 on models equipped with Real Time™ 4WD - an increase of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving on all models.

"The CR-V provides many of the favorable aspects of a car and an SUV in a stylish, yet highly functional and capable vehicle," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For 2010, the CR-V represents an even better value with significant upgrades throughout the vehicle."

While compact on the outside with a 103.1-inch wheelbase and a convenient-to-park length of less than 15 feet, the interior provides 103.8 cu-ft. of passenger volume (CR-V LX) for up to five passengers. Add in a cargo volume of 35.7 cu-ft. behind the rear seats and the CR-V creates a total interior volume that, from a space efficiency perspective, exceeds the U.S. EPA's size definition for a large sedan of 120 cu-ft.

A wide range of interior updates for 2010 include modifications to the radio functionality and control layout, the introduction of new seat fabric textures and an upgraded interior door handle design with a rubberized grip handle. Revised trim panel sections for the steering wheel, gear selector, upper glove box and center console (navigation-equipped models only) serve to brighten the overall interior color theme. Models equipped with an ivory interior now feature a more passenger-friendly darker brown carpet instead of light brown.

The AM/FM/CD audio system integrates a dual tone gray/black color scheme with blue backlighting, replacing black. The CR-V EX-L (navigation and non-navigation models) receives a USB Audio Interface2 for direct access to music files on compatible devices using the vehicle's existing controls.

Consistent with the new audio system backlighting, the background color of the Multi-Information Display (MID) now appears blue (previously black). The MID's digital display functions, which include the odometer, trip computer and vehicle maintenance indicators among other features, for 2010 now include a compass feature on CR-V EX and EX-L (non-navigation) models. On navigation-equipped models, the newly added Bluetooth HandsFreeLink status and related functions are displayed in the MID.

For comfort, the driver's and front passenger's center folding armrests are each wider by 1 inch compared to the previous model. The front row storage zones continue to offer the same functionality with areas designed to accommodate items as large as a handbag between the seats to items as small as a mobile phones and music players on the retractable center tray table. A center console replaces the retractable center tray table on the CR-V EX-L with navigation.

A sliding 60/40 split second row seat with a 40/20/40 folding seatback offers cargo versatility by sliding forward to increase cargo space, folding forward to accommodate long objects, or folding and tumbling forward to create a large, flat cargo area. Maximum possible cargo volume measures 72.9 cu-ft. with approximate floor dimensions of 51 inches long by 39 inches wide (at wheel wells). Storage potential behind the rear seat is enhanced by a dual-deck cargo shelf (CR-V EX and EX-L) that can strategically accommodate items like a folded baby stroller on the lower level and groceries bags on the upper level. The second row seat includes a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat mounting system for all rear seat positions, allowing two outboard child seats to be installed or one center child seat.

Standard safety equipment includes: the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control; and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Additional standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The CR-V's unit-body construction makes extensive use of high-strength steel (58 percent) to save weight and create a high-rigidity body structure, which significantly contributes to the vehicle's ride quality, fuel efficiency and safety performance.

A dynamic forward cabin blends the CR-V's upscale body lines into a sculpted lower body with a rugged appearance and durable cladding. A two-tier grille and a side profile with an arched window shape and chrome trim accent the CR-V's distinctive and upscale presence.

For 2010, the front fascia's upper grille has a single horizontal chrome-style trim cross bar as opposed to the double slat style cross bar from the previous design. The hood's sheet metal now flows flush into the upper portion of the grille instead of wrapping down and around the grille.
The lower portion of the grille receives a honeycomb design that replaces the previous three-bar horizontal cross design. A chrome-colored trim piece has been added at the junction where the lower grille section intersects the top of the bumper (on EX and EX-L only). The circular port for Honda Genuine Accessory fog lights is encompassed within the re-sculpted front bumper's painted surface area, which extends lower on the vehicle, instead of within the lower black body cladding. Correspondingly, the re-shaped rear bumper's painted surface area now encompasses the red rear reflectors, also previously located within the black cladding.

The suspension is comprised of a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link suspension. The high-rigidity body and independent suspension offer a comfortable and engaging driving experience for a crossover SUV. State-of-the art noise absorption materials help to reduce engine and road noise for a quieter cabin.

The all-aluminum,16-valve, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) i-VTEC engine integrates an "intelligent" version of Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control along with Variable Timing Control (VTC), which are sophisticated Honda valvetrain technologies designed to enhance fuel economy and power output while reducing exhaust emissions. The VTEC portion of the system hydraulically adjusts the intake valves' rocker arms for lift and duration to help optimize engine efficiency for low- and high-RPM ranges. The Variable Timing Control (VTC) aspect of i-VTEC allows for continuously variable phasing of the intake camshaft, which helps improve engine torque, promote a smooth engine idle, and create an internal exhaust gas recirculation effect for reduced smog-forming emissions (NOx).

For 2010, power and efficiency improvements result from the engine's compression ratio increasing to 10:5:1 from 9.7:1, fuel injectors with a finer spray pattern, larger intake valves, spark plugs with extended electrodes, friction-reducing piston rings, higher-precision timing sensor and a higher flow-rate exhaust system.

The CR-V comes standard with an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission that uses an active lockup torque converter. Wide overall ratios help maximize acceleration in gears one through four and optimize fuel economy in its overdrive fifth gear.

Grade Logic Control helps to reduce gear "hunting" on hilly roads. The available Real Time™ 4WD system - ideal for enhanced traction on snow, rain, dirt roads and sandy conditions - sends power to the rear wheels when needed. Real Time 4WD's always-ready and fully automatic dual pump system hydraulically proportions rear wheel torque via multi-plate clutches. The Maintenance Minder system will indicate that the dual-pump fluid should be changed at about 60,000 miles.

The CR-V is available in three model choices, each offered in either front-wheel drive or Real Time 4WD. Standard comfort and convenience features on the CR-V LX include air conditioning with air-filtration system, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, power windows with auto-up/down driver's window, power door and tailgate locks, AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, fuel economy meter and 17-inch steel wheels.

The CR-V EX adds a one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature, chrome grille and rear license plate trim, rear privacy glass, security system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, dual-deck cargo shelf, audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers, exterior temperature indicator, vanity mirror lights (new), digital compass (new), and 17-inch alloy wheels (new design).

The CR-V EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats and armrests, heated front seats, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, XM® Radio3, a USB Audio Interface (new), and auto on/off headlights (new). Available on the CR-V EX-L is the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and rearview camera, which also adds premium audio system with 7-speakers including subwoofer and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, center console storage unit (replaces retractable center tray), and a 6-disc CD changer in the center console (replaces in-dash changer).

Colors for 2010 include Opal Sage Metallic (new), Royal Blue Pearl, Taffeta White, Glacier Blue Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic (new), Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Tango Red Pearl and Urban Titanium Metallic. Interior color choices, determined by exterior color, include Ivory, Black or Gray.

The CR-V became the best-selling SUV in the United States with calendar-year 2008 results of 197,279, also placing it among the top-ten best-selling vehicles for that year. The CR-V is a global product for Honda and is sold in 160 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. Worldwide, the CR-V is assembled of domestic and globally sourced parts including at the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio.

Basic Specs:
Engine: 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 180-hp @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 161 lb-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy, City/Hwy/Comb.: 21/28/24 (2WD), 21/27/23 (4WD)
Seating Capacity: 5
Passenger Volume: 103.8 cu-ft.
Cargo Volume: 34.7 cu-ft.
Standard Airbags: Driver's and Front-Passenger's Front Dual-stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags; Front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and Side-curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor.
Standard Electronic Stability Control: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)Standard Anti-lock Braking System: 4-channel with Brake Assist

1Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
2The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your local Honda dealer for details on compatibility. Windows Media Audio is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
3Required XM Radio subscription sold separately after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions are governed by the XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com/serviceterms. Other fees and taxes apply after trial period; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. © 2009 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1097/releases/5183

2010 Honda CR-V Facelift: First Official Photos, Unveiling on Sep. 17

Above is Japans version of the CRV, below is a 2010 (left) and a 2009 (right) side by side.
Turns out that the scoop photo of the refreshed 2010 Honda CR-V that we showed you back in May was the real-deal as this official shot of the facelift model that was published on Honda's Japanese website confirms. According to Honda, the updated CR-V will be revealed on September 17, which also happens to be the first day of the Frankfurt Motor Show - though, we don't know if Honda will actually unveil the SUV in Germany.

It will take a trained eye to notice the extremely subtle cosmetic changes on the 2010 CR-V - at least in what concerns the front end as we don't have any other photos of the model. These include the larger upper grille that now features less chrome trim, the modified lower grille and the reshaped bumper with the new lower part and smaller fog light housings.

We're not aware of any other styling changes or mechanical upgrades, but we gather that Honda will release full details of the European and North American 2010 CR-V along with the JDM model.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/08/2010-honda-cr-v-facelift-first-official.html

2012 Honda CRV Information from TOV and MagX

TOV reader comes across a July 2009 issue of japanese magazine MAGX with a article on the 2012 Honda CRV."Loyal TOV reader Dan forwarded this July '09 Mag-X piece on the 2012 CR-V. TOV member 'sugaki' was kind enough to provide a translation of it. Thanks go out to both.

In summary, Mag-X says that the basic requirements for the next generation CR-V (production code 2WS) have been settled and Honda is currently focusing on the styling direction for the 4th generation of their compact SUV. Due to the current CR-V's popularity abroad, it is said that the new model will be very similar in size to the current version. The dimensions projected by Mag-X reflect very small increases in length, width and height (4535x1820x1685 mm).

Mag-X mentions that Honda is aiming to improve the CR-V's sales performance from the current pace of around 800 units/month to around 1130 units (an increase of about 40%). Honda originally intended to sell the current model at a rate of roughly 2000 units/month. (Side note: even in our incredibly poor market conditions, the CR-V sold at an average rate of 560 units PER DAY in the USA last month). The targets for the US-market are not mentioned, but supposedly Honda is looking to increase monthly sales in Europe by around 5% (up to 5350 cars/month).

Mag-X asserts that for cost-saving reasons, the next-generation CR-V will be based upon the current platform, and the 2.4L K24A engine will also carry over. A 2.0L version is also being planned for entry level Japanese market FWD-only trims. Mag-X goes on to say that Honda is considering saving the introduction of an advanced engine for a big mid-cycle model change. Additionally, according to the article are no plans for a V6 engine for North America.

According to the article, there are no plans to introduce a diesel CR-V in Japan, but the diesel will continue to be offered in the European market. It is also noted that production of Honda's i-DTEC diesel engines will shift from the Suzuka factory to the new Ogawa factory starting in the fall.

Mag-X says the exterior design should be finalized by November of this year, and the new CR-V is planned to be announced in September of 2011, with a formal introduction taking place in October of 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show."

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=837962