2012 Honda CR-V Facelift [VIDEO]
The facelifted 2012 Honda CR-V is the fourth generation of the emblematic model, which has appeared for the first time in 1995. The facelift include modifications on every level of this Honda model.
First of all, the length and height of the car have been reduced by 5mm and 30mm respectively compared with the current model. However, the interior space of the SUV is not reduced.
The new CR-V has more aggressive and aerodynamic stance with deeper sculpting of the bodylines and a bolder nose section. The front bumper's smooth, flowing lines are joined by a horizontal three-bar grille and deep-set headlights.
Furthermore, the CR-V's signature vertical rear brake lights are now more three-dimensional style. In addition, the front LED daytime running lights and rear LED lights are other stylish enhancements.
This means that now the vehicle has sleeker proportions. Moreover, the rear seats fold flat, so the boot capacity of the CR-V has grown by 148 litres to 164 litres. This means that the boot of the CR-V can now accommodate two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs.
What about the interior of the Honda? Of course, there were made several important modifications.
For instance, the major controls have been further grouped according to their function. Here is the "driver interface zone" which is positioned behind the steering wheel as well as the "information interface zone" in the centre of the cabin.
The materials used of course are only high quality ones and have been carefully chosen for the European market. A lot of attention has been put on the details as well.
The interior enhancements include impressive range of equipment that has been added. It features 5 inch "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID), which controls the audio, telephone and navigation systems.
Next, the front seats incorporate the new whiplash mitigation system. These seats work in conjunction with the CRV's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACETM) body structure.
The passengers' seats on the other hand have transformed hip point. They have now been lowered by 38mm compared to the current model, resulting in a more comfortable seating position and increased headroom.
Here is also included for the first time a new design which allows the introduction of Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seats. They now can be folded flat in one movement. Hence, the CR-V can be transformed from a five-seater passenger car into a versatile load-lugger.
More importantly, the aerodynamics is another key area of the new CR-V design. The drag coefficient has been reduced by 6.5% compared with the current model and now benefits from performance, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Under the bonnet can be seen either a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine or a 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, both fitted as a standard with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The power and torque outputs of the i-DTEC engine remain at 150 hp (110 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) respectively. However, the CO2 emissions fall from 171g/km to 149g/km for the manual version and from 195g/km to 174g/km for models equipped with the five-speed automatic transmission.
On the other hand, the power output of the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine has risen from 150 hp to 155 hp (114 kW), while the torque has been increased to 192Nm (142 lb-ft). Although there has been increase of the performance, the CO2 emissions have fallen here as well from 192g/km to 173g/km for the manual version, and from 195g/km to 175g/km for the automatic one.
At last, the new CR-V now includes upgrades to the car's suspension, steering and four-wheel drive system. Here the next generation Motion Adaptive electric power steering system now combines maneuverability with increased feedback and response at higher velocity.
In addition, this sophisticated system includes Advanced Vehicle Stability Assist system, which detects instability in slippery road conditions and automatically initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction.
A wide range of electronic systems are also included: Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Honda's Advanced Driver Assist System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Emergency Stop System.
In short, the new improved model of 2012 Honda CR-V is now more confident, efficient and functional and successfully builds on the fame of its predecessors.
Source: Honda
