Consistently one of the best selling petrol-engined SUVs in Europe since its launch, Honda’s CR-V is now to be offered with diesel power for the first time. The high output, high torque 2.2 litre i-CTDi engine already familiar from the Accord range is the perfect complement to the 2.0 litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine and, matched to the CR-V’s all-round abilities, introduces a formidable contender to the highly competitive mid-size SUV sector.

At the same time, the CR-V range benefits from a number of revisions to the styling, both front and rear, improvements to the interior and an enhancement to the on-demand 4WD system. Safety gets a further boost with the introduction of side curtain airbags and Vehicle Stabilty Assist (VSA), while larger, 16 inch wheels fitted as standard are matched to larger disc brakes all round.

The front styling changes include a more prominent front bumper and foglamp design, a new headlamp cluster featuring three-beam projector-style lights and a new grille featuring two chrome trimmed bars. Similarly, there is a new style rear bumper, while the distinctive high mounted taillights now feature clear indicator covers, and a larger reversing light. Other detail changes include a new hard spare wheel cover, new door handles, new sill trim, new B-post trim, revised arch protectors and front and rear mudguards. Diesel models sport a tailgate spoiler for improved aerodynamics.

The CR-V’s interior also receives a makeover with new high quality seat and trim materials. Among the revisions are a new steering wheel; revised door armrests; new damped storage type grab handles, chrome trimmed inner door handles, vent controls and heater control surrounds and available on higher grades, leather trimmed steering wheel, gear shift knob, and door lining, together with heated front seats. Rear visibility is improved by the introduction of ‘teardrop’ type rear seat headrests which do not obscure rearward vision when fully retracted.
New side curtain airbags are available and as an additional safety precaution, the sensors are programmed to deploy the curtain airbags on both sides of the car in the eventuality of a roll over. Honda’s efforts to build one of the safest SUVs on the market were endorsed when the CR-V scored a 4 star occupant safety rating and a 3 star rating for pedestrian safety in the Euro NCAP test regime, the only 4x4 to date to have achieved such a result.

The CR-V is now available with either a 2.2 litre diesel engine and 6-speed manual or a 2.0 litre petrol engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. All models are equipped with Real Time 4WD.

The revised CR-V will be on sale in October with the diesel versions available from March 2005.