Following a mid-life cycle facelift applied almost two years ago, Honda plans to introduce a new generation of the CR-V within the next 18 months.
The vehicle is expected to be based on a new platform and grow in size over its predecessor to add a third row of seats for the first time, meaning that it will be able to target the Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sorento and Hyundai Sante Fe and other 7-seaters.
AutoExpress reports that the firm’s “Solid Wing Face” style grille along with slender headlights and bolder, L-shaped taillights, with LED technology on both ends, and a more dynamic profile, will set it further apart from the current version. A more modern infotainment system is expected inside, along with smartphone-integration apps, extra sound-deadening and higher quality materials.
In Europe, the next Honda CR-V is said to gain the 1.5-liter i-VTEC turbo and updated 1.6-liter diesel, which were already confirmed by the manufacturer, along with a revised 2.0-liter petrol. A plug-in hybrid won’t be part of the package, by a regular hybrid remains in the cards. Base models will get FWD and a six-speed manual transmission, while more expensive grades will benefit from 4WD and a 9-speed auto gearbox.
The North American model will also get a tuned version of the new Civic’s 174hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four as an option, with the current 2.4-liter unit expected to continue as the base offering. If there’s a hybrid, it will surely be offered in America.
Honda has started testing the CR-V in the United States, where it’s expected to go on sale at the end of 2017, while in the UK and the rest of Europe, the vehicle should arrive a few months later.
Note: Euro-spec Honda CR-V pictured
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