Honda CR-V - From £20,610

A new-look Honda CR-V will go on sale in January 2010, with a new diesel engine and an eagerly-awaited automatic gearbox for diesel models.

The CR-V has consistently topped the SUV sales tables since launch in 2007, with its ample cabin and large, split-level boot offering useful practicality and its low centre of gravity giving the CR-V ‘car-like’ handling characteristics.

For 2010, the CR-V’s popular looks have been refreshed to incorporate a distinctive new front bumper and grille, a revised rear bumper, and colour coded bumpers on EX grades. There are newly-designed 17-inch (SE) and 18-inch (ES and EX) alloy wheels and upgraded fabrics and plastics inside, giving the CR-V interior an even more premium finish. A new audio console design has also been introduced, while improved sound deadening around the engine and cabin makes the CR-V an even quieter and more relaxing car to drive.

The revised version of the CR-V will continue to be built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon, where British workers proudly produce the SUV for over 60 countries.

New i-DTEC and diesel auto transmission

Honda’s 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which debuted in the latest Accord in 2008, will be available in the new CR-V. The diesel produces 150PS at 4000rpm (up 10PS) and torque of 350Nm at 2000rpm (up 10Nm). It can be paired with either manual transmission or the new 5-speed automatic gearbox that has been manufactured in-house by Honda.

The smooth and refined diesel automatic transmission is available on all CR-V model grades from launch in 2010 and all engines in the CR-V line-up are designed to meet Euro 5 legislation.

Value for money

The CR-V has always been recognised as offering value-for-money specification and the new car’s equipment levels will continue to impress.

SE grades come equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cloth upholstery and power heated door mirrors. Over and above this, ES grades get 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, auto dimming mirror, cruise control, double deck cargo space, dual-zone air conditioning, electric folding mirrors and headlight washers, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights, half leather Alcantara heated seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob, unique interior inlay trims and USB connector for iPod connectivity.

Meanwhile, top of the range EX grades will get an 8-way driver power seat and electric lumbar support, an alloy step garnish, HID Xenon headlights, full body coloured bumpers, full leather upholstery with heated front seats, panoramic glass roof, rain sensor and auto headlight on function, reverse tilt mirror, DVD satellite navigation with premium audio, 6 CD changer and subwoofer in addition to the ES specification.

Three new paint colours are available for 2010, Premium White Pearl, Urban Titanium and Alabaster Silver. Five other metallic paints are available – Crystal Black, Polished Metal, Sparkle Grey, Deep Bronze and Deep Sapphire Blue. Milano Red is the solid colour available.

Advanced safety technologies

Two active safety systems continue to be available on the CR-V and are unique to the SUV segment. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a radar-controlled cruise control function which maintains a set distance to the vehicle in front, while Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) predicts collisions and warns the driver, before applying braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation becomes critical. These systems are optional on EX models.

Full specifications, pricing and the exact on sale date will be announced later in the year.

• Body Coloured bumpers and trim
• Chrome handles and garnish
• Newly Designed 17 steel wheel
• Front/Rear/Curtain Airbags
• Air Conditioning
• Aux Socket
• Power Heated Door Mirrors
• Active Head Restraints
• Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners
• VSA with Trailer Stability Assistant
• ABS/ Brake Assist
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Adjustment

All the standard CR-V features plus these extras:

• Newly Designed 18" 10-spoke Alloy wheels
• Privacy Glass
• Rear/ Front Corner Parking Sensors
• Half Leather / Alcantara Heated Seats
• Unique Interior Inlay Trims
• Auto Dimming Mirror
• USB Connector for iPod
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Leather Gear Shift
• Front Foglights
• Independent Dual Climate Control
• Power folding door mirrors
• Headlight washers
• Double deck cargo shelf

All the standard CR-V features plus these extras:

• 18 Alloy Wheels
• Full Body Coloured Bumpers
• DVD Voice Activated Navigation with Premium Audio
• Full Leather Heated Seats
• Reverse Tilt Mirror
• Sat Nav with HFT
• Rear parking Camera
• Panoramic glass roof
• Heated front seats
• 8 way power-assisted driver
• Premium stereo with subwoofer
• Rain sensing windscreen wipers
• Auto Headlights