A major safety innovation includes the introduction of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure that builds on the CR-V's already class-leading reputation for safety performance. The ACE Body Structure is a key technology for the implementation of Honda's Safety for Everyone initiative that seeks to provide the highest levels of safety regardless of vehicle size or price.

Further innovations consist of sleek aerodynamics, large 17-inch wheels that minimize the gap between the tire and the body, and ultra-tight body panel fit. Adding to the clean lines, the spare tire now resides under the rear floor as opposed to the exterior of the tailgate, benefiting aesthetics and improving garage-ability. As the name implies, the lift-up tailgate opens upward (instead of to the side as in the previous CR-V), improving convenience while also providing a canopy when loading the vehicle or tailgating.

CR-V Body New Technology
• Upscale image and styling
• ACE Body Structure
• Larger doors and lower step-in height by 1.25 inches, (32mm)
• Dimensions: height -0.1 inches, width +1.4 inches and length -3.1 inches
• Lift-up tailgate and hidden spare tire
• Improved aerodynamics (+5 percent)
• Extensive use of high strength steel (+24.5 percent)

Body Highlights
• Unit body platform
• Pedestrian safety design

Design and Styling
Easily distinguishable as an entirely new CR-V, the 2007 model embraces curves and fluid design over the upright and traditional two-box SUV shape. This upscale and advanced concept merges a powerful lower body with large diameter tires to a dynamic and emotional forward cabin. The double grille creates a strong first impression and SUV strength is further expressed by the modular lower body trim. The arched side window shape emphasizes a sporty look and the rear end design with full-length taillights conveys a unique 3-dimensional look. The large 17-inch tires accentuate SUV proportions, also giving the vehicle an aggressive stance.

The CR-V Enters a New Dimension
Compared to its predecessor, the 2007 CR-V body is 3.7 inches shorter (largely due to the relocation of the spare tire) in overall length (177.9 inches), 1.4 inches wider in overall width (71.6 inches) and the 66.1-inch height is 0.1 inches shorter. Underneath, its 103.1-inch wheelbase is 0.2 inches shorter, the front track is 1.2 inches wider (61.6 inches) and the rear track is 0.8 inches wider (61.6 inches).

CR-V Body Structure
The CR-V has a completely new body structure that implements advanced construction technologies for enhanced safety, better rigidity, improved ride comfort and a quieter cabin. As such, the solid unit body of the CR-V was designed from the outset to define a new standard for torsional and bending rigidity in the entry crossover SUV segment, achieving a rigidity balance similar to a sedan for sedan-like handling performance.

Even with enhanced collision safety construction and larger dimensions, the overall vehicle weight remains similar to previous models. This has been achieved by optimizing the framework layout and sectional shapes, streamlining the joint structures, and utilizing 58 percent high-grade, high-strength steel (+ 24 percent).

The fundamentally rigid design along with components such as a rear floor cross member, rear damper gussets and increased rigidity for the rear opening increases bending rigidity by 84 percent.

ACE Body Structure for Frontal Collision Compatibility and Energy Management
Body construction now includes Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure that enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. This newly developed front-end frame structure (similar to the ACE Body Structures on the Civic and Odyssey) incorporates newly-shaped upper and lower frame members to significantly enhance energy dispersion in a frontal collision throughout more load bearing channels in the body. The ACE concept differs from traditional crash designs that guide a high percentage of collision force through a vehicle's two lower channels in a collision. The ACE design with its polygonal front structure helps reduce the potential for misalignment with the frame of the opposing vehicle. Taken together, these features are designed to increase compatibility between vehicles of different size categories for enhanced occupant protection in the event of a frontal collision.

The ACE Body Structure is configured for high energy absorption. In the event of a frontal collision, the body structure with its front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to prevent structural penetration while distributing forces evenly through multiple major load bearing pathways - and away from the passenger compartment. For comparison, a conventional body structure generally concentrates the loads from a collision through two pathways running longitudinally through the lower portion of the frame.

In the ACE Body Structure for example, frontal impact force can be distributed from the front of the vehicle through the side sill, floor frame and A-pillar in order to reduce the cabin deformation. The bottom line is that the ACE Body Structure enhances energy distribution during a collision because impact forces can be distributed through more of a vehicle's mass and away from the passenger compartment.

Offset Rear Collision Design
The new FMVSS 301 regulation for offset rear collisions is strengthened compared to the previous standard. This regulation begins its phase-in starting September 2006 and must be applied to all production vehicles after September 1, 2008. In the new requirements for the FMVSS 301, a 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs.) deformable barrier strikes 70% of the vehicle's width at 80km (50 mph). In contrast, the previous FMVSS 301 used a 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs.) flat rigid barrier that struck the full width of the vehicle center-to-center at 48km (30 mph). The new standard requires more body energy absorption than before.

Door Construction
For safety, all CR-V driver and passenger doors feature a side impact protection beam. For quality, the doors are built on a robust structure that provides a solid feel and sound when closing. The door latches are carefully engineered to latch securely with a light closing pressure, and to emit a quality sound. Sound insulation performance was enhanced by connecting the ends of a door-opening seal, doubling the door seals and adding a layer of sound absorption material. Additionally, the CR-V's front doors use the lower step-in height, the wider opening angle of the rear door from 67 to 80 degrees, and triple-stage stopper construction, for ease of ingress/egress in tight parking situations.

Pedestrian Safety Design
The CR-V takes the wellbeing of pedestrians into account in its safety engineering. Accordingly, engineers optimized certain structures in the front end of the vehicle to help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Research shows that these features can dramatically improve a pedestrian's chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle.

Key pedestrian safety features include:
• Hood designed to deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian
• Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports located under the hood
• Sufficient clearance between hood and hard engine parts
• Deformable windshield wiper pivots
• Crushable hood hinge

Aerodynamics
The CR-V manages airflow for an approximate 10 percent improvement in coefficient of drag (Cd). Items such as the A pillar, side mirrors, wiper layout, underfloor pans and strakes have all been designed to minimize air turbulence. These designs result in enhanced fuel economy and less wind noise. Other measures contributing to reduced wind noise levels include reducing the width of body seams, mounting glass flush with the surrounding body panels, and using double seals around all doors.

Tailgate
New for 2007, the CR-V features a lightweight and easy-to-open top-hinged tailgate that replaces the side-hinged tailgate design of previous models. The top-hinged design, which opens vertically, allows for universally-convenient cargo loading from the left or right sides of the vehicle – while also providing a canopy during cargo transfer. A convenient benefit, the canopy provides some protection from nasty weather and also functions as the ideal sunshade, such as when tailgating at the big game. From a cargo functionality standpoint, the 37.4-inch (950 mm) door opening height is taller by 1.8 inches (45 mm) and wider by 0.4 inches (10 mm) to 54.7 inches (1390 mm).

Assisted by hydraulic dampers, special hinges allow the top section of the lightweight tailgate to rotate optimally for low open and close loads while also creating an ergonomically more convenient lift-off point (lower to the ground) and a shut-down point (higher from the ground). When open, the packaging helps maintain a lower overall door opening height, making the CR-V practical in garages with low hanging ceilings. Overall, the CR-V tailgate provides convenient and user-friendly one-step operation in the real world where juggling grocery bags, backpacks, keys, bikes, gold bricks and other miscellany are standard operating procedure.

Previously mounted on the tailgate, the spare tire now resides inside the vehicle under the cargo floor. Moving the spare tire inside also helps reduce the overall length of the vehicle by 3.1 inches, helping the CR-V fit better into a short garage space.

Tight Tolerances
Honda vehicles have long been synonymous with outstanding fit and finish. This attention to detail is evident in the increased body panel fit accuracy that produces significant reductions in the sizes of gaps between body panels and interior components. The CR-V features what is known as a "zero" gap for the front and rear bumpers, or less than a single millimeter. This gives the bumpers a more integrated appearance, yet keeps collision costs to a minimum by isolating various body components so fewer components require replacing in the event of an accident.

Noise and Vibration Dampening
The CR-V achieves levels of quietness during acceleration and cruising in a league similar to luxury SUVs. This is due in part to the high levels of rigidity of the CR-V platform and the application of advanced noise and vibration absorption materials. Extensive lightweight sound absorption materials have been applied to the floor, firewall, cargo area, and roof along with additional sound insulation materials for side pillars. Traditional use of melt sheets (sheets that dampen noise and vibration) are also used. Additionally, the doors have two seals for reduced noise intrusion.

Exterior Lighting
The CR-V headlamp design uses sharp and wide lamps for front-of-vehicle illumination. The lamp assemblies feature a clear one piece outer lens that wraps around the vehicle's front corners with the inboard turn signals housed inside. The round outboard halogen lamp functions for low and high beam illumination, and also provides the newly added daytime running lamps. The halogen headlights offer class-leading performance, casting a beam wide and far, while also providing brighter illumination of objects in closer proximity.

The tall rear taillights envelope the D-pillar and feature a reflective inner-cube design as the background pattern during illumination. The lenses are solid red for brake and running lights, with a large clear lens for the turn signal lights (amber illumination). A clear back-up-lamp provides illumination when in reverse.

Fuel Tank
The CR-V is equipped with a six-layer resin fuel tank that offers relatively lower weight, increased capacity, and reduced emissions. Capacity is 15.3 gallons (58.0 liters). The CR-V also incorporates a return-less fuel supply system that helps reduce vapor generation.

Available Colors - Exterior and Interior
The CR-V is available in eight colors and three interior color schemes.