Honda CR-V available to order late this year

The Honda CR-V was Honda's third biggest seller in the UK last year, after the Jazz and Civic. 18 months after its North America debut, the new Honda CR-V has finally made it's way to Europe.

The updated CR-V will not only come with new techologies and powertrains, but also an introduction of a hybrid and seven-seat option - set to welcome a whole new market to the brand. ~The new CR-V’s chassis has been described as "the most sophisticated" one on the model yet, with the main goals being improved ride quality and better capability off-road.

The new CR-V will become the first Honda SUV to receive a hybrid system for the Old continent. The Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) technology uses a 2.0-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine, working on the Atkinson cycle, supported by two electric motors. It doesn’t have a conventional transmission and instead features a more compact unit with a single fixed-gear ratio.

Slightly larger than its predecessor, the SUV has a longer wheelbase and wider stance than before, providing more room for the passengers inside the cabin. The third row of seats is set to offer “exceptional leg room and heel step height,” as well as “a 101-degree seat angle to ensure long-distance passenger comfort.”

As standard, customers will be getting front-wheel drive vehicles, but both the hybrid and the 1.5 turbo models will be able to be specified with Honda’s latest all-wheel drive. Honda claims that fuel economy for the petrol-only model will be class-leading but stopped short of revealing official figures; these will be released nearer the car’s sale in autumn. The car’s underbelly has been specially sculpted to improve aerodynamics and improve fuel economy.

There will be two powertrains available: a 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC petrol engine, available with either a manual or CVT gearbox, or a hybrid 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with two electric motors - one for propulsion and one electric generator motor.

The gearbox on the hybrid is a new single fixed-gear ratio transmission, which Honda claims ensures smoother torque delivery. A system called i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) manages the powertrain, so drivers don’t have to switch between the three drive modes - EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive. The Atkinson cycle engine relies on the electric motor for low-end torque, but the motor can also assist the 2.0-litre petrol engine when required.

Honda claims that fuel economy for the petrol-only model will be class-leading but stopped short of revealing official figures; these will be released nearer the car’s sale in autumn. The car’s underbelly has been specially sculpted to improve aerodynamics and improve fuel economy.

Tech highlights on the new CR-V include two 7.0in displays - one in place of traditional dials and the other serving as the main infotainment display. A powered tailgate also features, with a system that prevents the door from scraping low ceilings.

Deliveries for the petrol CR-V start in autumn, while the hybrid - only available on the five-seat version - arrives in 2019.