2017 Honda CR-V Breaks Cover

Honda North America took many of us by surprise as it discreetly pulled the wraps off the all-new, fifth-generation CR-V last night.

As rumoured before, the SUV, which has been completely redesigned and reengineered, boasts bold new styling, a more premium interior, and most importantly the model's turbocharged engine and a host of new features and technologies.

On the exterior level, the new CR-V’s styling heads in a fresh new direction with a sharper front-end design, LED DRL array on all trims, a new grille, new wheel design, muscular fenders, longer hood, longer wheelbase, short rear overhang, and dual exhausts.

And then there are the narrower A-pillars that have improved visibility, the Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate which is a first for Honda, as well as Automatic wipers among other features.

Under the hood, the 2017 CR-V is powered by either a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 190hp or a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated direct injection engine – both paired to a CVT with Honda’s G-Shift control.

Honda says that the new body and chassis design of the 2017 CR-V provides better handling, greater refinement, additional ground clearance and superior overall versatility.

Its front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension utilize specially tuned low-friction dampers, with both FWD and AWD models including tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bars that promote quick turn-in and flatter cornering. Dual-pinion, variable ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) also contributes to the CR-V's direct and satisfying steering feel.

Inside, the new CR-V claims to have the best rear seat legroom in class, with upgraded materials throughout, including a new soft-touch instrument panel and more intricately stitched seats. A color TFT driver information interface (DII) center meter display adds to the handsome new design aesthetic.

The new CR-V also offers a new generation of infotainment technology such as a 7-inch touchscreen display audio interface with Android or Apple compatible operating system that now features a physical volume knob as well as an available new Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System developed in cooperation with Garmin.

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Besides that, other comfort and convenience features available on the 2017 Honda CR-V include remote engine start, dual-zone climate controls, heated side mirrors, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB), rear USB charging ports, front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and driver's seat with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way power lumbar support and heated front seats.

Where safety is concerned, the new CR-V further expands the Honda Sensing suite, which includes:

• Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Pedestrian sensing capability
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS).
• Additional new driver-assistive technologies include:
• Blind Spot Information (BSI)
• Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM)
• Auto High Beam (HSS) headlights

Expected to go on sale in the U.S later this year, we anticipate the new CR-V to be heading to this part of the world as well, but there has not been any official announcement on when exactly that will be.

We are guessing that it is going to be in late 2017 or early 2018. What do you think?

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