Wednesday 4 July 2012

REVIEW-HONDA CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV (now called crossover in North America), manufactured since 1995 by Honda. It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic to satisfy a public demand for a sport-utility vehicle from Honda. There are discrepancies as to what "CR-V" stands for, Honda sales literature in UK reportedly made references to "Compact Recreational Vehicle", other Honda references (including the official Honda Japan CR-V Fact Book[1] and Honda Worldwide[2]) cite "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle". It is produced in both four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, with availability differing by market.

Honda produces the CR-V in Japan and the United Kingdom for worldwide markets, and as of 2007, North American CR-Vs are produced in East Liberty, Ohio. The CR-V is produced in Wuhan for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company, a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Starting in fall 2007, North American CR-Vs will also be produced in Jalisco, Mexico in addition to Britain, Japan and the US due to high demand. Honda executives considered making the CR-V as one of the first vehicles to be produced at Honda's new facility currently finishing construction in Greensburg, Indiana that opened in fall 2008; however, the facility will initially exclusively produce the Civic, which may free up space in East Liberty for CR-V production from the 2009 model year onward. Elsewhere, the CR-V is Honda's smallest SUV other than the related Element sold in Canada and the United States, and the HR-V sold in Europe. In size, the CR-V slots between the Element and Pilot, but due to the Element's discontinuation during the 2011 model year, the CR-V has once again became Honda's entry-level SUV.

FIRST GENERATION(1995-2001)


Introduced in Japan in 1995, the CR-V was Honda's first in-house designed SUV. The CR-V was introduced in Japan at Honda Verno dealerships only. For North American market, it was displayed at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale in February 1997.

Upon introduction, the model had only one trim level, which would later be known as the LX model trim; it was powered by the 2.0 L straight-four B20B producing 128 hp (95 kW) and 133 lb·ft (180 N·m) of torque. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the Integra's 1.8 L engine, but internally the engine had a larger 84 mm (3.3 in) bore to add the extra displacement needed to produce more torque. The engine utilized a one-piece cylinder sleeve construction unique from any other B-series engine due to overlapping combustion chambers. The chassis was a unibody design with a four-wheel double wishbone suspension. Inside, the rear seats were able to fold down, and a picnic table was stowed in the rear floor area. A common external trait that was visible with this generation was plastic cladding covering the front bumper, rear bumper, and fender wells. In most countries, CR-Vs had a chrome grille; however, in the US, the grille was made out of the same black plastic as the bumpers. A major difference between the LX and EX trims was that the EX had anti-lock brakes and 15 inch alloy wheels while the LX did not. Drivetrain options were: front-wheel drive or Honda's Real Time 4WD. The B20B engine did 0-60 mph in 10.2 seconds. Whereas the updated B20Z fired off the line and went to 60 mph (97 km/h) at 8.4 seconds if a professional driver is used, top speed was limited to 120 mph (190 km/h).
Real time four-wheel drive system

Honda's Real Time 4WD system on the CR-V utilizes a dual hydraulic pump center/rear differential and 4WD transfer case. The dual pump system employs two pumps, one driven by the drive shaft from the transfer case at the front of the vehicle, and the other driven by the rear differential. When there is a pressure difference of greater than 3% between these two pumps, a clutch that connects the front and rear axles begins to engage. The greater the difference in axle speeds, the more torque is applied to the rear. This system would most accurately be called "automatically engaged four wheel drive,"[according to whom?] because the driver has no control over when the system engages. To allow the ABS braking system to function properly, the 4WD clutch will disengage if the brakes are applied. The B20Z engine sends 52% of the torque to the rear wheels or whichever wheel has the most traction.


Later model CR-Vs equipped with automatic transmissions also have a lockup torque converter and Grade Logic program which aids the CR-V when climbing steep inclines by keeping the transmission in the lower gear. The 2007+ 4WD system was improved and sends an additional 20% more torque to the rear tires than earlier models.

When driven off-road, CR-Vs with the 4WD system are typically used for Green Laning or "two-tracking".[citation needed] Also the CR-V had 8.9 inches (230 mm) of ground clearance.
Facelift

Although the body style remained the same as the first generation, an update was made from 1999 to 2001 in response to criticism that the original engine lacked enough power for a vehicle of its weight – 3,200 lb (1,500 kg). The engine was changed to the 2.0 L B20Z engine, producing 147 hp (110 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 133 lb·ft (180 N·m) at 4,500 rpm of torque. Fuel economy of 23 mpg-US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg-imp) city/28 mpg-US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg-imp) highway (US) and price were not affected by the increase in power, which was the result of a higher compression ratio (9.6:1 compared to the B20B's 8.8:1), a new intake manifold, and slightly higher lift on the intake valves.
Safety

The 1996–2001 model tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was the LX model with standard driver and passenger airbags. Even though the car's structure received an acceptable rating, the overall car received a marginal rating as the dummy's left leg would have been broken. Its head went through the airbag which would have caused a minor concussion. The chest was well protected.
Facelift Honda CR-V, Australia
Facelift Honda CR-V Sport, Australia

Models equipped with an automatic transmission now had an overdrive cancel button that allowed the driver to lock the transmission in the first three gears to provide power for passing and climbing grades. The pattern of the cloth on the seats was also redesigned, and the head restrains earned an acceptable rating from the IIHS for whiplash protection.

The 1999 European, Australian, and Asian CR-V models featured more drastic changes. Exterior alterations included a new front bumper, smoothed off rear bumper, and a smaller plastic radio antenna on the rear of the roof. "Nighthawk Black" was added to the list of paint choices, while "Passion Orange" disappeared. New dark blue pearl and red pearl shades replaced the former solid red and metallic blue hues. European models received an enlarged Honda emblem on the front grille, and a new metallic yellow paint in certain markets.

In 2000, a Special Edition model was introduced in North America. The SE featured body-colored bumpers and side moldings, a body-colored hard spare tire cover, leather upholstery, CD/cassette audio deck, rear privacy glass, a Navtech navigation system, and chrome grille accent. Until 2001, the CR-V sold more than any other vehicle in its class. The North American models also received new exterior colors including Naples Gold Metallic and Taffeta White. Electron Blue was introduced in 2000 to replace Submarine Blue Pearl, while Satin Silver Metallic replaced Sebring Silver Metallic in 2001. However, that year, sales of the Ford Escape and its clone, the Mazda Tribute, surpassed those of the CR-V.

The Australian higher specification model was called the 'Sport'. It was added at the time of the first facelift and included body-colored bumpers, mirrors, door handles, and hard rear spare wheel cover. It also included alloy wheels, roof rails, and a large glass sunroof. The CR-V became the country's best-selling SUV in 2000, outselling the Toyota LandCruiser for the very first time.

SECOND GENERATION(2002-2006)

The bigger and heavier[3] second generation CR-V(Chassis Code RD4-RD7) was a full redesign, based on the seventh generation Civic, and powered by the K24A1 engine. North American versions of the new engine produced 160 hp (120 kW) and 162 lb·ft (220 N·m) of torque. Per new SAE regulations, the same engine is now rated at 156 hp (116 kW) and 160 lb·ft (220 N·m). Despite the power increase, the new CR-V retained the fuel economy of the previous model, thanks in part to the engine's i-VTEC system. The newly developed chassis had increased torsional and bending rigidity, while the new suspension possessed front toe control link MacPherson struts and a rear reactive-link double wishbone; the compact rear suspension increased cargo space to 72 cu ft (2,000 l). The second generation CR-V was Car and Driver magazine's Best Small SUV for 2002 and 2003. Second generation CR-Vs in countries outside of North America were again offered in both 'low specification' and 'high specification' variants, with the latter featuring body-colored bumpers and fittings. It also now did not require the glass hatch to be opened before the swinging door. Changes between model years 2002, 2003, and 2004 were very minor. The success of the CR-V prompted Honda to introduce an entry-level SUV, the Element.

It is reported that in late 2003, Honda took legal action against Shuanghuan of China accusing its Laibao SRV of copying the CR-V's exterior design.
Facelift
Facelift Honda CR-V (Philippines).

In 2005, the CR-V received a mid-cycle refresh. The 2005 CR-V was now equipped with 16 inch wheels, the earlier models had 15 inch wheels. Visual changes included new taillights and headlights with clear indicators. The new headlights now have two separate H1 bulbs for low beams and high beams, the previous setup used H4 single bulb for both low and high beams. The taillights now used clear lenses instead of amber for the turning indicators. The grille was also changed; it had two horizontal bars instead of one. The front bumper design was slightly changed, it now has round fog lights compared to the previous rectangle fog lights and in addition to the lower grill there are two horizontal bars instead of one. The rear bumper reflectors were longer and narrower.
Facelift Honda CR-V (US)

On the inside of the car, the EX trim received upgrades which included steering wheel-mounted audio controls and an outside temperature monitor. The stereo system was also XM Satellite Radio ready (USA but not Canada). All CR-V models also had revised rear seat headrests, which had been redesigned to reduce rear view blockage.

Mechanically, the 2005 model was also changed. A major change included a drive-by-wire throttle for all CR-Vs. The all-wheel drive system was improved; it had been tuned to activate faster in low traction situations. US market models were equipped with a five-speed automatic, as opposed to the previous four-speed automatic.

In the United States and Canada, all 2005 and later CR-Vs have ABS, Electronic brake force distribution, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors for all occupants. Also, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Assist were added as standard equipment on all trim levels for increased rollover protection.

In Australia, the MY05 facelift went on sale in late 2004. Base models made do with only dual airbags and ABS as standard equipment, while the Sport came equipped with side airbags for the first time. Curtain airbags were unavailable on any model, until the next generation.
Following the tradition of adding a trim level above the EX during the refresh like the first generation CR-V, Honda added the SE trim level for the 2005 CR-V. The CR-V SE had painted bumpers, body side molding, and spare tire cover. For a more luxurious experience, Honda added a leather interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated side mirrors and front seats. The SE also included a hard body-colored cover for the spare tire on the back.

THIRD GENRATION(2007-2011)

A redesigned CR-V was launched for the 2007 model year. The third generation CR-V is powered by the latest version of Honda's standard K-series 2.4 L inline-four engine, similar variants of which can also be found in the current-generation Honda Accord and Honda Element. In North American markets, this engine's power is rated at 166 hp (124 kW) at 5,800 rpm and 161 lb·ft (218 N·m) at 4,200 rpm. A 2.2 L i-CTDI diesel engine is offered in the European and Asian markets. The European market CR-V offers a new R20A 2.0 L petrol engine, based on the Honda R-series i-VTEC SOHC engine found in the Honda Civic, as opposed to the previous CR-V offering the K20A. Since the introduction of a newer, five-speed automatic transmission, which sports a higher MPG rating and smoother shifting, the manual transmission has been dropped from the US market. Fuel economy ratings from the EPA are 20 mpg-US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp) city, 26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp) highway. Consumer Reports rates fuel economy as 19 mpg-US (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg-imp) city, 29 mpg-US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg-imp) highway.
Pre-facelift Honda CR-V Luxury, Australia

Unlike previous models, the 2007 CR-V features a rear liftgate and no longer has the spare wheel attached to the back door. The new CR-V is lower, wider, and shorter than the previous models; the length decrease is attributed mostly to the fact that the spare wheel no longer adds length to the back of the vehicle. A lowering of the center of gravity is another benefit of the spare wheel being located underneath the rear cargo area. A feature unique amongst SUVs is the center rear seat pass-through.

Honda is also offering an integrated Navigation option on the EX-L model. The navigation unit is made for Honda by Alpine and includes voice activated control, XM radio (in the USA and Canada), in dash CD player that can play MP3 and WMA media. It also has a six-disc CD changer in the center console and a PC Card (PCMCIA) slot in the Nav unit for flash memory MP3 or WMA files. A second CD player is behind the navigation screen, this CD player plays MP3/WMA cds. A rear backup camera is also included.[6]

An iPod adapter was to be an available option on US models, but is currently only available as an add-on accessory. All CR-V models still have the auxiliary audio input jack, which is either on the head unit itself (LX), on the central tray (EX), or inside the center console (all versions of the EX-L, with or without navigation).

For 2007, Honda CR-V became one of the ten best selling vehicles of the year, outselling competitors like RAV4, Escape and Tahoe by tens of thousands. It even overtook Ford Explorer, which had held the title for fifteen years (1991–2006), to be the number-one selling SUV in the US. To meet the high demand, Honda shifted some Civic production from East Liberty, Ohio to Alliston Plant #2, Ontario[9] (where some Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey production was located until production was consolidated at Honda's Lincoln, Alabama facility) to free up space for additional CR-V production. Currently, the East Liberty plant is building 400+ CR-V models a day for the Canadian and US markets. US market CR-V models are imported primarily from Sayama, Saitama, Japan and El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico in increasing numbers. In 2008, CR-V continued to be top ten bestseller and best selling SUV of the year in the U.S.Since its introduction in 1997, there were more than 215,000 CR-V sold in Canada.
Chassis code: RE1 (2WD), RE2 (4WD), RE3 (2WD), RE4 (4WD) RE5 (4WD), RE7 (4WD)

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings
Frontal Impact: 5 stars.svg

Side Impact: 5 stars.svg

Rollover: 4 stars.svg

The Honda CR-V is rated "good" in frontal and side-impact crash tests by the IIHS. However it is rated "marginal" in the roof strength test.
2010 facelift
2010-2011 Honda CR-V SE (US)

For the 2010 model year, the CR-V receives modest style, powertrain, and equipment changes. The exterior changes include a redesigned front fascia with a new horizontal-slat chrome grille and honeycomb-designed lower front grille, new front bumper, and revised taillights. The rear bumper is also redesigned, as well as new five split-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels for EX and EX-L models. The interior gains minor changes, such as improved seat fabrics, and wider driver & front-passenger armrests. The audio head unit controls are altered and the information display backlighting in the gauges is blue instead of the previous black. USB audio input is standard in the EX-L trim while hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is exclusive to the EX-L trim equipped with navigation system. In 2011, a mid-level SE trim debuted with a 6 disc CD changer and 17 inch 7 spoke alloy wheels that came from the pre-facelift EX and EX-L trims.

Power is increased from 166 to 180 hp (124 to 130 kW) for 2010 and mileage is improved by 1 mpg for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models. EPA ratings are now 21 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg-imp) / 28 miles per US gallon (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg-imp) city/highway and 21 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg-imp) / 27 miles per US gallon (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg-imp) city/highway respectively. Specified oil weight changed from 5W-20 to 0W-20 from previous years with a change to the K24Z6 engine.

The 2010 model year update went on sale in the United States in September 2009.
Asia

In the Philippines the 2010 Honda CR-V is nearly the same as the USA model, but is provided with side-mirror turning signals. It is available in 4x4 (2.4 L) and 4x2 (2.0 L), the former having a five-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The top of the range 2.4 L 4x4 comes with leather upholstery and HID headlamps. All models have rear parking sensors as standard, but no sunroof or GPS.[16]
In Thailand, the Honda CR-V has 4 versions: 2.0S(2WD), 2.0E(4WD), 2.4EL(2WD), and 2.4EL(4WD). All versions come with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Navigator, DVD, and rear-view camera are standard equipment for 2.4EL(2WD) and 2.4EL(4WD) versions. The version with 2.0 engine has 150 Hps at 6200 Rpms, while the version with 2.4 engine has 170 Hps at 5800 Rpms. [17]
Europe


The CR-V facelift made available to European markets (as well as South Africa) features new added luxuries not previously seen before, and not available to Japanese, Asian, or American markets. Xenon (HID) headlights are available for the first time, as are 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch optional), GPS/DVD navigation system, and a premium sound system with USB audio input. A panoramic glass moonroof is standard on upper spec models, and all models feature chrome exterior door handles. Externally, the vehicle also features complete body color-coding, on all lower body plastic cladding (models sold elsewhere in the world feature dark grey plastic lower cladding).
South America

In Brazil the CR-V is sold (imported from Mexico) with a 2.0-liter, 150 hp (110 kW) i-VTEC engine instead of the 2.4 used in other countries. The reason is that in Brazil the tax is higher for engines above 2.0 liters. The Honda Accord sold in Brazil has the same 2.0-liter engine.

In Peru the CR-V has different trim levels. The two most equipped ones are the Deluxe and the Platinum. These two, in contrast with the models sold in the USA feature chrome door handles, and HID headlamps. The Platinum version also comes with rear parking sensors, and 18-inch alloy wheels. It does not feature heated front seats because it is considered unnecessary due to the type of climate in Peru. There is no trim level featuring GPS. Trim levels: 4x2-L, LX 4x4, EX 4x4, Deluxe, 4x4, Top, and Platinum.

FOURTH GENERATION(2012 ONWARDS)

Fourth generation (2012–)
Fourth generation (RM1, RM4) 2012 Honda CR-V (US)
Production     2011-present
Model years     2012-
Assembly     East Liberty, Ohio, United States (North America)
El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico (North America and Latin America)
Sayama, Saitama, Japan (International Markets)
Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Engine     2.4 L K24A I4
2.0 L R20A I4
Transmission     5-speed automatic
CVT
Wheelbase     103.1 in (2,619 mm)
Length     178.3 in (4,529 mm)
Width     71.6 in (1,819 mm)
Height     65.1 in (1,654 mm)
North America

In July 2011, a photo of the Honda CR-V concept was released.[18] The company announced that the fourth-generation CR-V will be sold in the United States by the end of 2011 and in Europe in 2012.[19] Honda said, "The new CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction. Compared to the previous generation, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the overall lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.[quantify] This marks it the first time since 2002 the CR-V has become Honda's entry-level SUV, as its Element sibling had been discontinued.
The CR-V's vertical taillights remain with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. Specs of the fourth-generation were not revealed but Honda said it will be equipped with "more efficient engines compared to the current model" to deliver improved fuel economy.

The CR-V Concept was debuted at the Orange County International Auto Show in California in September.
The production 2012 CR-V was debuted at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and it is powered with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline-four engine that puts out 185 hp and 163 pound-feet (220Nm ) of torque at 4,400 rpm along with an all-new Real-Time all-wheel-drive (AWD) with intelligent control system. Front-wheel-drive CR-Vs now get 23 mpg-US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg-imp) in the city and 31 mpg-US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg-imp) on the highway, while models with the optional full-time all-wheel-drive are rated at 22 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) and 30 mpg-US (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg-imp), respectively. The CR-V went on sale in the U.S. on December 15, 2011.


In Japan, the 2012 CR-V was launched on November 28, 2011 and has been on sale since December 2, 2011.[24] The Japan-spec 2012 CR-V is offered in 2.4 L and 2.0 L variants. The 2.0 L variant is mated with continuously variable transmission with torque converter that brings out the engine’s best performance while offering the same off-the-line acceleration and overall acceleration performance as the 2.4 L model. The 2.0 L variant is only available in front-wheel drive; the 2.4 L variant is available in four-wheel drive model only.

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