British Honda CR-V looks tough, gets diesel and 9-speed auto

Wed, 01 Oct 2014

Honda just took the wraps off of its thoroughly updated 2015 CR-V for the US, with a touch more style and improved powertrain to provide more torque and better fuel economy. In our First Drive, we found that all of the changes really focused the CUV even more towards the desires of its audience of mostly families. European crossover shoppers don't have to wait too long to see these tweaks for themselves and get a few exclusive upgrades of their own.

While US models get a torquier gasoline engine, Europe loves its diesels. Therefore, the CR-V over there benefits from a more powerful 1.6-liter i-DTEC oil-burner that produces 158 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This new addition is only available on the four-wheel drive version, and it replaces the previous 2.2-liter diesel in the lineup. Also as opposed to the CVT here, there's now an optional nine-speed automatic gearbox across the pond.

According to Honda, the new diesel with a six-speed manual drops emissions by 11 percent compared to its predecessor. Opting for the nine-speed auto makes things 20 percent cleaner in contrast to the previous 2.2-liter CR-V with an auto.

Aesthetically, the latest European CR-V is essentially identical to our refreshed model. It wears the same updated front end with a new grille and LED running lights. It also has the tweaked rear with a chrome bar running across the hatch and slightly altered taillight design. The dark wheels of this show car do add an air of brutishness that we haven't seen before, however.

The updated European CR-V will get its debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, and it'll be built at Honda's plant in Swindon, England. Scroll down for the company's full announcement.

Honda (UK) reveals new-look Swindon-built CR-V at Paris Motor Show 2014

New-look Swindon-built CR-V gets more-powerful 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine generating 160 PS and 350 Nm

New nine-speed automatic transmission with reduced emissions and improved fuel economy

Honda (UK) will this week use the Paris Motor Show to reveal its new-look CR-V. The exterior receives a whole new look with new headlamps, front grille, fog lights, skid-plate and bumper; whilst at the rear, new LED combination lamps, a refreshed tailgate design and bumper complete the enhancements.

The new-look model of the CR-V, the world's best selling SUV in the first quarter of 2014*, is to be offered with a more powerful diesel engine as well as an optional efficient nine-speed automatic transmission.

The four-wheel drive CR-V will be equipped with the higher-powered 1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder diesel engine from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series. This next-generation powertrain delivers outstanding performance and low CO2 emissions, with one of the best power-to-efficiency ratios on the market. This new engine replaces the previous 2.2 litre i-DTEC diesel in the CR-V.

When matched with the six-speed manual transmission the new higher-powered diesel engine produces 160 PS and 350 Nm, while emitting a class-leading sub 130 g/km of CO2 - an 11% improvement compared to the previous unit. To help CR-V owners fully exploit the latest engine's efficiency, the new model is also available with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, with CO2 emissions of less than 135 g/km - 20% better than its predecessor.

The two-wheel drive diesel CR-V, available with a manual transmission, will continue to be equipped with the 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine, now with emissions as low as 117 g/km.

The new-look CR-V has been developed and engineered for European drivers. The car will be built at Honda's state-of-the-art plant in Swindon, UK. To see the new-look CR-V please visit the Honda Stand in Hall 3, at the Paris Motor Show 2014. Honda's press conference takes place on the stand at 16.45 CET on Thursday 2 October.

*Focus2Move figures - worldwide sales of 165,017 between January 1st and March 31st 2014.

ENDS

By Chris Bruce