Fifth Generation Honda CR-V RW1/2 and CR-V Hybrid RT5/6

When the fifth-generation Honda CR-V was launched around the globe except Japan, everyone might be lamenting that the world-proven crossover might share its fate to the list of other Japanese cars that are sold worldwide but not in Japan such as the Toyota Hilux and the Honda Civic, but lament no more because before you have any complaints and concerns, the fifth-generation Honda CR-V has finally made its way to Japan after a two year absence. We thought they couldn't make it but they really did so is it worth the wait for the world-proven crossover that is almost not going to be sold to Japan? Let's investigate.

2019 Honda CR-V

2019 Honda CR-V

Although this is a over a year late than expected, the all-new, fifth-generation Honda CR-V picks up where the previous model left off and since crossovers are becoming more mainstream like superhero movies, expect this new model to be a quite a seller while facing stiff competition from the likes of the Toyota Harrier, the Nissan X-Trail, the Mazda CX-5, and the recently regenerated Subaru Forester which the CR-V will have some pressure on.

Starting at the design, you can see that the front view is in line with the Honda family tree because of its signature Solid Wing face donning it and although sharp, it can be somewhat regular. While the side view is almost similar to the previous model, the rear view is no longer mistaken for the Volvo XC60 because it's now more Cherokee-ish if you ask them. Go further and you can easily confuse it with the Jeep Cherokee, that's a given theory to first-timers but the design is the least of the problems as the interior holds a different story.

2019 Honda CR-V interior

2019 Honda CR-V interior

Unlike the old CR-V your sister currently drives for work or for trips to Oregon and Vancouver, B.C., the new interior is very nice to make yourselves at this crossover and it's surprisingly spacious by crossover standards. As you may know, the gasoline variant offers a 5-seater and, for the first time in a CR-V, a 7-seater, while the Hybrid variant only offers the 5-seater. Considering that you've picked the turbo variant with seven seats present, you might be heavily warned that when the kids occupied the second row seats, your chances of scoring the "sweet spot" is down to zero and you're going to make do with the less spacious third-row seating which eats away the space for your groceries just like what happened to the Jade MPV.

Somewhat ditching the seven-seater variant in favor for a more spacious five-seater variant, it feels just like your sister's CR-V, and with some room at the back for some stuff from the grocery or for the long trip to Portland, Oregon, or Cabanatuan or Antipolo, there are plenty of reasons why the CR-V's interior is taking shape for you. You can give praise to the power liftgate that can be opened automatically when you lift your foot near the rear bumper as well.

2019 Honda CR-V

I did said gasoline and hybrid above because the fifth-generation Honda CR-V is powered by a choice of a 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine and Honda's Intelligent Multi Mode Drive hybrid system comprising of a 145PS 2.0L i-VTEC Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and two-electric motors generating 154kW of power output. Making good use of the i-MMD's 3 mode powertrain, the hybrid variant delivers three-liter class performance with a fuel efficiency of 21.2kmpl under WLTC mode standards. 4WD variants get about 20.2kmpl and that easily trumps the hybrid variant of the Subaru Forester, which is a productivity plus.

The turbocharged variant produces about 190PS of power and 140Nm of torque and because it's mated with a CVT, fuel economy is up to 15.8km/L by JC08 mode standards.

Playing the key role in fuel efficiency is its Active Shutter Grille system which drops aerodynamic drag at cruising speeds for better fuel efficiency.

Benefiting from its front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension, torsion bar stabilizers, ventilated disk brakes on the front, and electric power steering, the CR-V promises to be a lot smoother to drive compared to the last one and although not exciting, it's subtle enough to make the journey home a lot more institutionalized. Speaking of institutionalized, the new CR-V features Honda Sensing comprising of Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Couple that with other safety features including a feature that detects road signs, and the result is a much safer car to make the journey home easy. Such safety makes the new CR-V a certified Safety Support Car S Wide.

Should you buy it? The all-new CR-V starts at 3,230,280 Japanese Yen for the turbo variant, available tomorrow, and 3,784,320 Yen for the Hybrid variant, arriving November. It might be more expensive than today's Subaru Forester but be thankful that it ticks all the right boxes what a crossover should be and despite being all-new from the ground up, it still feels like your sister's CR-V that was been used to take her to work or for trips to Oregon and Canada. 

It's about darn time the new CR-V finally sold in Japan after a two-year absence and here's hoping that this crossover should serve as a valuable lesson to all Japanese cars that are sold worldwide except to its home ground.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl, Luna Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Rousse Black Metallic, Midnight Blue Beam Metallic, and Premium Crystal Red Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

New CR-V sales exceed the target!

2012 Honda CR-V interior

And now, the news. The all new 4th generation Honda CR-V marked a milestone when it went on sale since early December. The target was 1500 units per month but sales reached double of the target. That's 3000 units sold in Japan. 52% of the customers choose the 20G variant while 48% choose the 24G 4WD variant.

What we're hoping that this new model will come to the Philippines soon...

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/green/news/0/4518/

4th-Generation Honda CR-V (RM1/RM4)

When the first CR-V launched since 1995, this marks as the first Honda SUV ever built and as of now, there are so many CR-V models on the road today. After being on service for over a decade, undergoing model changes and extensive testing, the Honda CR-V is truly the most memorable SUV made by Honda for enthusiasts and aficionados.

Now, as the Christmas season is fast approaching, the Honda CR-V is now on its fourth-generation and what surprises await on its 4th generation of Honda's first full-fledged SUV ever made?

2012 Honda CR-V

The all new 4th generation CR-V has an decent-looking interior that is somewhat more resemble of Korean and European crossovers of today, even though this one's Japanese. On the front view, it is somewhat radical and sporty but it can be somewhat weird. At the side view, it remains the look from the previous, third-generation CR-V, and the rear view, seems that it was copied from the Volvo XC60 and that was rubbish and I do mean rubbish. Overall, the new design seems to be more intriguing.

2012 Honda CR-V interior

What's more intriguing is the interior. It's now well accommodated and well tailored than the previous generation CR-V while retaining its 5-seater capacity. However it looks somewhat copied from the Kia Sportage R but when you noticed the "ENGINE START STOP" button, this button's now colored in red, which is somewhat a minor contrast, well it's a start. For added capacity, the 2nd row seats can be folded to accommodate more luggage for your next adventure but it can be somewhat very easy to fold the seats thanks to the lift of the lever at the back. The catchiest part of the new interior is the new Center Display that checks directions, fuel consumption, song played, and others, which is not bad for the new model. To keep drivers motivated, Honda's Internavi got them covered. So much innovation offered to keep them happy on this new model.

2012 Honda CR-V

The new Honda CR-V now offers two variants: one with the R20A engine and CVT and the other one with the K24A engine, 5-speed paddle shift transmission, and improved Real Time AWD. First, the Honda CR-V 20G variant can give you about 150PS of power, 191Nm of torque, and 14.4km/L JC08 of fuel economy. The new Honda CR-V 24G still remains the same as the previous model, meaning nothing's change at the 190PS power, 222Nm torque, and 11.6km/L JC08 fuel economy. However, the 24G features the new REAL TIME AWD system, modified to help provide traction in low-grip driving conditions such as snow, rain and unpaved road surfaces.

The new Honda CR-V is offered in six exterior colors; White Orchid Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, Premium Blackish Pearl, Twilight Blue Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, and Basque Red Pearl

My comment:
This new model is now grown to be somewhat intriguing because of the design cues that highly derived from Korean and European crossovers and how can people react about this new model is still confidential for now. The new CR-V is proven to be somewhat economical thanks to its new 2.0L petrol variant offered but as for the 2.4L variant, it has the improved version of the REAL TIME AWD for enhanced traction and stability, providing the will to corner well at the curves.

The new CR-V isn't just a good Japanese crossover but it is just a good car for a stop. This new model deserves to be in the Philippines by next year but only after Thailand was recovered from the massive flooding.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Recall for Fit, Fit Aria, and CR-V

2002 Honda Fit

2003 Honda Fit Aria

2005 Honda CR-V

Honda Motor Co., Ltd announced a mass recall on the first-generation Honda Fit (Honda Jazz), Honda Fit Aria (Honda City), and the second-generation CR-V over the power window master switch problems. This issue also affected on the Philippines as well so Honda Cars Philippines informed owners of the Honda Jazz (built from 2005 to 2007), Honda City (built from 2006 to 2008) and Honda CR-V (built from 2005 to 2006) that they are affected by this problem and it will send letters to those owners on September 6. If there's a problem, don't hesitate to call the Honda Hotline at 1-800-HONDA (1-800-46632) or (02) 857-7240. Also visit the HCPI site (www.hondaphil.com) for more details.

Scoop: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/honda-recalls-jazz-city-crv.html

Are you the 4G CR-V?

1st generation CR-V (1995-2001):

1st-generation CR-V

2nd generation CR-V (2001-2006):

2nd-generation CR-V

3rd generation CR-V (2006-2011)

3rd-generation CR-V

2011 Honda CR-V Concept:

2011 Honda CR-V Concept

The 2011 Honda CR-V Concept previews the 4th-generation CR-V destined to be on sale before the end of 2011. What I can see only is the front view that has the grille of the USDM Accord Crosstour. It's like a combination of Sportage R and Volvo XC60. This looks nice. If went to production, this would be the best CR-V yet!