European debut for the new Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V’s sixth generation has been unveiled in Europe, where it will be the first Honda model to get a hybrid plug-in variant.

The Honda CR-V in Europe is eerily identical to the American version, which debuted in July 2022. The plug-in version stands out even more thanks to the charging port fitted on the front grille, while the main alterations are minor adjustments to the front grille, headlights, rear bumper, and distinctive badges.

Similarities

The upgraded HA platform, which also supports the new Civic unveiled two years ago, serves as the foundation for the sixth generation. The new model is longer than the previous one: its length has increased by 6.5 cm to 469 cm, and its wheelbase has increased by around 4 cm to 270 cm. While the height, at 168 cm, hasn’t altered, the width has only increased by 1 cm. The company claims that there is more legroom, the cargo area is 18% bigger, and the backrest of the rear seat can be adjusted eight (!) different ways.

In order to improve vision, Honda says that the A-pillar has been relocated back approximately 11 cm, 7 cm to the sides, and the side mirrors have been repositioned. It is anticipated that these modifications, coupled with the lengthened wheelbase and the vehicle’s length while preserving its width and height, will give the new model more dynamic proportions and less “minivan-like” features than prior CR-V versions.

Similar to the new Civic, the driver’s environment features a monochromatic instrument panel (7 inches) in front of them and a 7 or 9-inch display in the middle that houses a new multimedia system with interfaces for Android and Apple (wireless in higher trim levels).

The new Honda Sensing 360 package, which is debuting in Europe, is part of the safety features and consists of sensors, cameras, and radar that are used by automated braking systems, adaptive cruise control, lane departure detection, and other features.

Additionally, a new driver airbag is available (similar to the one found in the Civic), which is shaped like a “donut” and is intended to lower the risk of brain injury in particular crash scenarios. According to Honda, it does this by cushioning the driver’s head and limiting its movement.

What’s new?

The e:PHEV version, which is Honda’s first plug-in hybrid in Europe and has an electric range of 82 km, is what makes it unique. A complete charge takes about two and a half hours in ideal circumstances.

A 2.0-liter gasoline engine is coupled with two electric motors and dual propulsion in both hybrid powertrain systems. Honda did not say whether the two models’ power output will differ, but it is certain that the e:PHEV will have a bigger lithium-ion battery than the e:HEV. It may be assumed that the regular hybrid version will have a total power of 204 hp and a fuel economy of 34.1 km/l, much like the one marketed in North America.

The gasoline engine primarily engages during cruising or under heavy load and acts as a range extender in the majority of driving circumstances. Additionally, this variant provides a 450 kg towing capacity.