CR-V Press Information.doc

CR-V Press Information

Contents

At a glance 2

Key features 3

Questions on the tip of your tongue 4

Built in Britain 8

History of CR-V 10

Exterior 11

Interior 13

Engines and transmissions 17

Chassis dynamics and handling 21

Safety 25

At a glance

Honda CR-V (2.0 i-VTEC) petrol

SE / ES / EX

Price (OTR): From £20,610

Top speed: 118mph (110mph auto)

0-62mph: 10.2 seconds (12.2 secs auto)

Combined mpg: 34.9 (33.6 auto)

CO2: 190g/km (193g/km auto)

Engine: 150PS at 6,200rpm

Torque: 192Nm at 4,200rpm

Service interval: Variable

Insurance rating: 28 (SE and ES grades), 29 (EX)

Honda CR-V (2.2 i-DTEC) diesel

SE/ES/EX

Price (OTR) From £22,615

Top speed (mph) 118mph (116mph auto)

0-62mph 9.6 seconds (10.6 secs auto)

Combined mpg 43.5 (38.2 auto)

CO2 171g/km (195g/km auto)

Engine 2199cc, N22B1, Common rail i-DTEC

Power 150PS at 4,000rpm

Torque 350Nm at 2,000rpm

Service Interval Variable

Insurance rating 28 (SE and ES grades), 29 (EX)

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Key features

Honda’s popular British-built CR-V has been revamped for 2010 with enhanced styling and a new powertrain and transmission. After listening to customer feedback, the new model builds on the strengths of its predecessor’s car-like handling, frugal economy and premium specification.

So what’s new?

• Cleaner, more powerful diesel engine – the i-DTEC

• New automatic gearbox for the diesel engine

• Improved NVH levels with increased sound deadening around the engine and cabin

• Distinctive styling with new front bumper and grille, plus revised rear bumper look and feel with uprated interior fabrics and plastics

• Newly-designed 18-inch, 10 spoke alloy wheels for the ES and EX grades

• 17-inch, 5 spoke alloy wheels as standard for SE grades

• Full body-coloured bumpers on EX grades

• New audio console design for all models

• Three new paint colours – Premium White Pearl, Urban Titanium and Alabaster Silver

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Questions on the tip of your tongue

The current CR-V is not that old, why are you replacing it?

The CR-V is still very popular, but we now have a great new diesel engine, the i-DTEC, and a diesel automatic transmission that were not available when the 2007 CR-V was launched. Customer feedback showed us there were some exterior and interior tweaks, and further refinement worth making at the same time. However, this is a model revision, not a full model replacement.

The SUV market is in decline, why are you introducing a replacement CR-V?

CR-V sales are strong and the car continues to top the SUV sales charts – a great achievement against the new competition that has been introduced more recently.

Certain areas of the SUV sector are down, but one area that continues to grow is the diesel automatic segment. Both fleet and retail sales are significantly up in this market and the smooth, new 5-speed auto transmission we have available for the diesel CR-V now will serve these customers very well.

What is the general direction for the latest CR-V?

The 2010 CR-V retains its great handling, car-like drive and generous specification levels and therefore attracts a wide spread of customers from families, to retired couples and corporate customers.

For 2010 the CR-V has a new diesel engine that’s quieter, has increased power and torque, and lower NOx and particulates than the former i-CTDi powerplant.

The new i-DTEC diesel engine can also be paired with Honda’s automatic transmission, built in-house to ensure ultimate quality and performance. This smooth 5-speed gearbox has been well received in the latest Accord and we hope will do the same for eager, prospective CR-V automatic customers too.

In addition, the CR-Vs exterior looks have been enhanced in line with customer feedback, and on the inside, the materials have been upgraded making the car more premium all-round.

Who is the target customer?

Overall the new CR-V customer will be very similar to the current customer. Families who need SUV practicality and demand D-sector refinement will be our core audience. Annual household income tends to be over £45K. High mileage corporate user choosers that want a premium car with SUV practicality or have their family ‘hat’ on should also find the CR-V appealing. Customers with particular leisure pursuits and older customers who want a car that’s big enough to ferry the grandchildren around are also important target customers.

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Which cars did you use for benchmarking?

As well as SUVs, we looked at benchmarking cars in the D-sector – estate cars that offered excellent driving dynamics (like the Accord), which is why the CR-V is renowned for its car-like handling. For specification we benchmarked the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Who do you see as the key competitors to CR-V?

The SUV market place has changed dramatically since we launched the first ground-breaking CR-V, with crossovers, off-roaders and soft-roaders entering the sector. The key competitors for CR-V will be the BMW X1, Land Rover Freelander, Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai, Toyota RAV 4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

What will be the most popular model?

We expect ES grades to account for roughly 55 per cent of sales, making this the most popular CR-V variant.

With, auto-dimming rear mirror, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, unique interior inlay trim, USB connector for iPods and half leather Alcantara seats that offer ultra-comfort as standard, the ES grade offers an excellent value-for-money specification that will appeal to families as well as corporate user choosers.

Top-spec EX grades, with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard and additional DVD satellite navigation, panoramic glass roof and full leather upholstery to name just a few features in its ample specification, will make up around 40 per cent of sales.

We expect the diesel and diesel auto engine-transmission variant to be most popular.

How many are you going to sell?

Just under 9,000 units in the UK throughout 2010.

What is the retail versus fleet sales split?

Fleet is an important market for the CR-V and we expect it to account for 35 per cent of CR-V sales in 2010.

What about the environment? Isn’t this just another gas guzzling 4x4?

The CR-V has never been a dirty, polluting 4x4. In fact it’s been known as precisely the opposite. The new i-DTEC means the latest diesel CR-Vs have lower NOx and particulate emissions, combined with a good CO2 emissions package.

Where will the car be built?

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Associates at Honda of the UK Manufacturing, Ltd in Swindon (HUM) have been building the CR-V on production line No. 1 since 2000. It will continue to be built at HUM and exported to over 60 countries throughout Europe, along with the Civic and Jazz. The factory at Swindon is a brilliant example of engineering excellence in the UK and we are proud to have three of our most popular models built on our home turf.

When can I get one?

The new CR-V is on sale from 4 January 2010, with order books open from 1 December 2009. Diesel models will be available to test drive from the New Year with deliveries due from March.

How much will it cost?

The CR-V has always been recognised for its high-specification equipment levels and sector-leading residual values, and the new car’s value-for-money package should continue to impress.

Petrol models

2.0-litre SE £21,070

2.0-litre SE auto £22,400

2.0-litre ES £22,605

2.0-litre ES auto £23,935

2.0-litre EX £26,220

2.0-litre EX auto £27,550

2.0-litre EX with Advanced Safety Pack £28,265

2.0-litre EX with Advanced Safety Pack auto £29,595

Diesel models

2.2-litre SE £23,075

2.2-litre SE auto £24,445

2.2-litre ES £24,610

2.2-litre ES auto £25,980

2.2-litre EX £28,225

2.2-litre EX auto £29,595

2.2-litre EX with Advanced Safety Pack £30,270

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2.2-litre EX with Advanced Safety Pack (auto) £31,640

Prices include metallic paint at £460

Technology packs which include Satellite Navigation and Bluetooth Hands-Free Telephone, are available on all SE and ES grades for £1280.

Why is it more expensive than the old model?

The uplift in price on diesel models is due to the new i-DTEC engine and reflects a similar price increase to that necessary when we launched the i-DTEC Accord too.

What are the residual values?

The ES grade, which we expect to be the most popular variant, has a sector-leading residual value of 39.1 per cent based on 3 years or 60,000 miles. Source: CAP Monitor.

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Built in Britain

The built in Britain message is very important for some customers and is an important factor in their purchase decision. Since Jazz has been built at Swindon, we’ve had customers calling up to specifically request British-built models – further evidence of the engineering excellence of the factory’s workforce.

CR-V is built alongside Jazz and Civic at our manufacturing plant in Swindon - Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM).

Honda’s manufacturing aim is to build cars in the markets that they are most popular. With three core models now built at Swindon, 92 per cent of the cars we sell are manufactured here on home turf.

This staggering number is made possible by the skilled Associates at HUM and the quality and popularity these of models demonstrates the home-grown engineering expertise we have in the UK – something we’re very proud of.

Honda of the UK Manufacturing - Key facts

Honda investment to date: £1.38 billion

Cars built: Civic 5-door, Type S, Type R, CR-V, Jazz

Number of associates: 3,400

Total non-production days February to end May, 2009: 50

Revised production figure for 2009/10 fiscal year: 112,857 cars

Total HUM car production result for 2008: 230,423 cars

Established: 1985

Size of site: 370 acres (1.5 million sq m)

Building area: 143,000 sq m

Markets: 60 countries throughout Europe, plus Middle East, Africa, Australia and Japan

CR-V and HUM milestones

1985 HUM established

2000 CR-V production begins at HUM

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2002 CR-V exported to North America

2004 1/4¼million CR-Vs

2006 1/2 million CR-Vs

2007 CR-V exported to South Africa

2008 Two millionth car produced at HUM – Silver CR-V

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History of the CR-V

1995 Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show, the original Honda CR-V was one of the first of the modern generation of ‘soft roaders’ and became a benchmark for this fast-growing segment.

1997 Sales began in Europe in 1997 and the CR-V quickly became a firm favourite with buyers. It was so successful in fact, that production of European models was soon transferred to Honda’s Swindon plant.

2002 The second generation CR-V was launched, building on its predecessor’s success, retaining the popular 4x4 styling and the ‘on demand’ Dual Pump 4WD transmission. Enviable economy was achieved through the adoption of Honda’s 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, while a new body structure delivered greater interior space as well as setting new class standards in occupant and pedestrian safety.

2005 The CR-V was consistently been one of the best-selling petrol-engined SUVs in the UK, but received a further sales boost with the introduction of Honda’s much acclaimed i-CTDi diesel engine. Fresh new styling front and rear, interior improvements and equipment enhancement coincided with the introduction of the new engine.

2007 New CR-V launched to the strap-line, not all 4x4s are the same because of its low CO2 emissions and frugal economy figures

2010 Revised CR-V for 2010 introduced with new i-DTEC engine, automatic diesel transmission and revised interior and exterior styling

The CR-V is a truly global product for Honda. Since 1996, over three million CR-Vs have been sold in 160 countries. In the UK in 2009, Honda sold 12,000 CR-Vs.

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Exterior styling

What’s new?

The CR-V’s revised exterior consists of a brand new front bumper and grille which create a bold front to the popular SUV. The nose is split into two distinct sections by a new Type R-style honeycomb grille. The new bumper’s curvy yet strong design compliments the CR-V’s pronounced bonnet and together with the revised rear bumper adds 44mm to the overall length of the car (4574mm).

Exterior plastics have been reduced in favour of colour-coded parts, enhancing the CR-Vs stand-out design and giving it greater road presence. EX grades come with full colour-coded bumpers as standard with front fog lights, where specified.

From the rear, a revised bumper and reduction in exterior plastics refresh the CR-V’s look without dramatically altering its distinctive tailgate shape.

The arched side window profile is the section of the CR-V that perhaps most reflects car design. It features an upper edge that dramatically sweeps downwards towards the rear, almost like a coupe. The roof line also slopes rearwards, but not to the same degree, resulting in a large D-pillar. The CR-V’s slippery-shaped body also keeps down wind noise, further helped by the curved shapes of the A-pillar cross section and door mirrors, and by using double seals around all the doors.

As with all Honda cars, this model has outstanding standards of fit and finish. The incredible attention to detail is evident in the accuracy of the body panel fit. The new CR-V features what is known as a ‘zero’ gap for the front and rear bumpers, or less than 1mm. This keeps collision costs to a minimum by isolating various body components so fewer require replacing in the event of an accident.

Paint

Three new paint colours are available for 2010, Premium White Pearl, Urban Titanium and Alabaster Silver. Five other metallic paints are available – Crystal Black, Polished Metal, Sparkle Grey, Deep Bronze and Deep Sapphire Blue. Milano Red is the solid colour available.

Wheels and tyres

New 18-inch, 10 spoke alloy rims have been introduced for ES and EX grades. SE grades get 17-inch, 5 spoke alloys as standard.

Dimensions

Length - 4530mm

Width - 1820mm (excluding wing mirrors)

Height - 1805mm (including roof antenna)

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Wheelbase - 2620mm

Front and rear track – 1565mm

Many SUV customers choose a vehicle of this type because of its higher seating position. The CR-V keeps its ‘command view’ seating, with good all-round visibility. But the CR-V’s relatively compact external dimensions make it one of the most manoeuvrable SUVs in its class, with a tight turning circle of 11m complementing the good visibility.

Most CR-Vs spend much of their time on-road, and the model sits firmly in the soft-roader category, but when called upon to tackle more demanding terrain, good ground clearance of 185mm ensures the CR-V is up to the job.

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Interior styling

• Enhanced interior fabric and plastics, creating a plush interior look and feel

• New audio console design for all grades

• Improved sound deadening around the engine and cabin

• Unrivalled specification levels

• Double-deck rear cargo shelf for loading flexibility

• Panoramic glass roof on EX grades

The refreshed CR-V boasts high-quality refinement throughout. With its ample cabin space, high specification levels, premium fabrics and plastics and improved NVH levels, the CR-V cleverly combines SUV spaciousness and practicality with the level of comfort, advanced technology and sophistication you’d expect of a premium saloon car.

Quieter cabin

NVH levels are improved with increased sound deadening around the engine and throughout the cabin, adding to the high-quality refinement of the CR-V and making it an even quieter and more relaxing car to drive. Whether setting off on a long journey with caravan or boat in tow, or simply for getting a bit of peace and quiet when the children doze off in the back – the CR-V’s cabin is a pleasant place to be.

All-round practicality

The revised CR-V retains its class-leading load space and clever interior storage solutions that make it a much-loved load-lugger, capable as a family-mover, house-mover, caravan tower, and more.

Load space length measures 925mm with the rear seats in place and slid back to their rearmost point, rising to a total length of 1375mm with the seats fully folded. The standard boot space with rear seats upright is 556 litres (VDA), rising to 955 litres with the seats flat (both to the window line).

Double Deck shelf

The CR-V is as stylish and sophisticated as it is practical, and one of the most popular practicality features is the Double Deck shelf.

The Double Deck shelf is light in weight, so it can be removed and installed easily, but substantial enough to create an upper and a lower luggage area when being used. Positioned 330mm above the load bay floor, there’s room to fit an average collapsed

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pushchair underneath, and still have room for all the shopping bags on top – no broken eggs or squashed bread in this car. The shelf can also conceal items from prying eyes, but in the main, dividing up the boot means you can get at certain items more easily without having to remove the complete load. The shelf is also hinged across its width, which makes gaining access to items on the lower level even easier.

Removing the Double Deck is easy, and if you don’t want to remove it from the car altogether, it can be laid flat on the load bay floor, where it sits snugly in a perfectly shaped recess, out of the way. A split retractable tonneau cover covers the boot contents also.

Cabin storage

There are plenty of convenient storage areas dotted throughout the CR-V cabin. These include an illuminated 6.9-litre glovebox, lidded passenger tray with a capacity of 3.1-litres, sizeable door bins front and rear and a 6.5-litre centre console storage box with sliding cover sufficient to hold up to 24 CD cases. This contains the auxiliary audio input jack, allowing operation of an MP3 player, as well as a 12V accessory socket. EX models have a USB connector located here, too.

Ahead of the storage box on the right are two cupholders, and to the left a storage tray and the heated seat switches (where fitted). The handbrake has a unique, compact design, featuring a button release to one side, with a clever wire linkage requiring only limited space for its operation.

A sliding box beneath the front passenger seat and pockets within the dash, beneath the steering wheel and at steering wheel height, provide additional stowing space, and there are twin cup holders within the rear seat centre armrest, ‘magically’ revealed when it is folded down.

Rear seats

As opposed to the standard 60:40 folding seats, for added practicality and flexibility the CR-V has 40:20:40 split rear seats which means the centre section can be folded down independently to provide a ‘boot through’ space, great for particularly long items while still accommodating two rear seat passengers. The centre section also features an armrest which reveals twin cup holders when folded down.

In addition, each of the 60:40 split seat bases slides by 150mm allowing either rear leg room or luggage space to be maximised. Depending on the items being carried, the sliding action also allows the rear seat to be moved into a position that braces the load.

Each of the three sections can be reclined by pulling up on the small handle on the top of the seat back. The same handle is also used to release the seat backs when they are to be stowed flat. Once the seat backs have been collapsed, a second handle behind the squabs is used to tip either of the 60:40 split units forwards into the vertical storage position – there is no need to remove the headrests first.

Since the rear seats can be reclined and slid back, fully reclining the front seats allows the interior to be converted into a comfortable resting area. Now you can sleep in your CR-V! Could it get any more flexible?

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High specification

Like the previous model, the 2010 CR-V offers unrivalled equipment levels that, along with its ample cabin, split-level boot and ‘car-like’ handling, have made it so popular. Air conditioning, auxiliary socket, cloth upholstery and power-heated door mirrors also feature.

ES grades get auto-dimming mirror, cruise control, double-deck cargo space, electric folding mirrors, half leather and Alcantara heated seats, headlight washers, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear parking sensors, unique interior inlay trims and USB connector for an iPod, over and above the SE model.

Top spec EX models come equipped with DVD voice-activated satellite navigation with premium audio and subwoofer, full leather upholstery with front heated seats, HID Xenon headlights and auto headlight on function, rain sensor, reverse tilt mirror and 8-way driver power seat in addition to the ES specification.

EX grades also get panoramic glass roof, which runs from the top of the windscreen and stretches over the rear seat occupants, helping to create a light and airy cabin.

The CR-V boasts five ISOFIX fixtures on the rear seats which mean parents can either fit two child seats in each of the outer rear seats, or one child seat in the central position. The rear seats can be slid forward as two separate sections, which also allows for a more flexible arrangement for children in the back.

Interior in detail

Inside the cabin, upgraded fabrics and plastics have been used to give a more premium finish; a new audio console design has been introduced.

Getting into and out of the CR-V is easy thanks to the CR-Vs low side sill step and optimised seat cushion height – which is the same as the hip height of an average height adult – both mean passengers do not have to ‘climb’ in and out of the seats.

The steering wheel is adjustable for reach as well as rake (30mm) enabling drivers to fine tune their driving position.

Various switches around the cabin are illuminated for easier use in the dark, including those for the windows, door locks, door mirrors, the VSA and the steering wheel mounted controls. Gentle overhead illumination bathes the centre console in a stylish pool of light.

Parking sensors

In this sector, the CR-V’s pretty compact, which coupled with its tight turning circle make it ideal in an urban environment. But rear parking sensors fitted as standard on ES and EX models help when manoeuvring on congested streets.

A reversing camera is fitted as standard on EX models, and optional on ES models with Satellite Navigation, making reversing and parking easy peasy. Mounted above the licence plate, the camera provides a view extending 131 degrees horizontally and

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91 degrees vertically in the area directly behind the tailgate. The image is displayed on the satellite navigation screen to provide an instant indication of potential hazards and obstacles.

I packed my CR-V and in it I put…

• A set of golf clubs beneath the double deck shelf, a week’s shopping on the upper level.

• Four large suitcases, stood upright with the rear seats fully stowed

• Two 26-inch mountain bikes without removing their front wheels

… The word you are looking for is gigantispacious.

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Engines and transmissions

The new CR-V is powered by an engine line-up designed to meet Euro 5 emissions regulations. Honda’s second generation diesel engine, the i-DTEC, makes its second appearance after debuting in the 2008 Accord. The 2.0-litre petrol engine also remains.

2.2-litre i-DTEC

Key features:

Capacity: 2199cc

Power: 150PS

Torque: 350Nm @ 2,000rpm

Top speed: 118mph (man) 116mph (auto)

CO2: 171g/km (man) 195g/km (auto)

The new i-DTEC engine uses a combination of the latest injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter to create a diesel engine that’s even quieter, cleaner and smoother than the previous i-CTDi.

With significantly reduced levels of NOx and particulates emissions, it exceeds Euro 5 standards, while offering even better performance with increased power and torque levels.

The i-DTEC delivers 150PS at 4,000 rpm (up 10PS on the i-CTDi) and peak torque has also increased by 10 Nm to 350Nm at 2,000 rpm. Together both power and torque improvements provide smoother acceleration, with the diesel manual cracking 0-62 mph in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 118mph.

Fuel economy for the CR-V remains excellent at 43.5mpg making it well suited to the mile-munching regime of many corporate cars.

Automatic gearbox

Since creating its first diesel engine in 2004, Honda’s intention was to produce a high quality automatic gearbox in-house, rather than compromise the performance of its i-DTEC engine by mating it with an externally supplied transmission.

The result is a responsive ‘box that’s smooth and sporty with practically zero lag between kick-down and gear shift. Top speed is 116mph with 150PS at 4000rpm and torque of 350Nm at 2000rpm.

The new 5-speed unit uses the same straight gate layout and paddle shift system as seen on the Accord. CO2 emissions are 195g/km, while fuel economy is 38.2mpg

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(combined). The CR-V’s new diesel automatic transmission will offer added comfort for towing, motorway munching as well as urban driving.

An engineering evolution

Most of you will be aware of the current i-CTDi engine – it is widely regarded as one of the most refined diesel engines on the market.

The i-DTEC is an evolution of the current i-CTDi. In direct response to customer feedback, Honda engineers were challenged to increase the maximum power of the diesel engine to improve driving characteristics. The result is an increase of 10PS, taking max power to 150PS. While doing so, they also added further refinement to the diesel powerplant, making the unit quieter, and the delivery of power even smoother.

i-DTEC in detail

The i-DTEC builds and improves on the performance, fuel economy and emission efficiency of the award-winning i-CTDi diesel engine. It has an all-new cylinder block, head and most components have been changed or updated from the current diesel.

Like its predecessor, the refined i-DTEC engine is compact, lightweight, smooth and quiet, but there are a number of key changes designed to enhance overall efficiency.

The new i-DTEC engine is all-aluminium, transversely mounted, with 4-cylinders, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, a variable nozzle turbocharger and a second order balancer shaft.

However, the big difference is that the engine has been turned 180 degrees in the engine bay. This has allowed for the fitment of a new, integrated diesel particulate filter and catalytic converter.

Diesel particulate filter

The new exhaust arrangement dispenses with the underfloor catalytic converter and places the diesel particulate filter (DPF) in a close coupled position on the side of the engine. This new location reduces the fall-off in exhaust gas temperature, and means the DPF reaches working temperature more quickly, both of which improve DPF regeneration.

Contributing to a reduction in NOx levels is an improvement in Exhaust Gas Recirculation efficiency, with finer valve control and a water cooling system that can now be bypassed when required – to feed higher temperature gasses to the DPF, which aids regeneration.

A continuously variable swirl control valve, located in the intake manifold, provides fine control of the swirl ratio, to give the ideal combustion environment within the cylinders at all times. This helps to reduce noise levels (through reduced knocking) and produce smoother performance.

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Piezo-injectors and multi-stage injections

One of the key developments on the i-DTEC engine is the installation of Piezo-injectors. The traditional injector system used on the i-CTDi – a 1600 bar common rail system using solenoid injectors - has been swapped for an 1800 bar one using Piezo-injectors, able to provide more precise, multi-stage injections.

In the new i-DTEC system there are up to five fuel injections per phase, giving more precise fuel delivery, reducing noise and improving fuel consumption.

1. A pilot injection in the low to medium engine speed range

2. A pre-injection in high load and low engine speed conditions

3. The main injection – under all conditions and in isolation at high load/high speed

4. An after-injection at low loads and in the middle engine speed range for cleaner emissions

5. A post injection at low load designed to improve the CAT purification rate and allow regeneration of the particulate filter.

The fuel injection system interacts with a new, variable nozzle turbocharger to ensure optimum intake pressure is created. This allows higher pressures at lower speeds, as well as better fuel economy and reduced emissions through lean burn combustion.

It’s this constant ability to make adjustments to the combustion characteristics across all driving conditions that helps achieve improved performance while still meeting the increasingly stringent emissions requirements.

Euro 5 compliance – NOx and Particulates

We all know that diesel engines emit lower levels of CO2 than petrol engines, but they generally emit much higher levels of NOx (oxides of nitrogen) and particulates. High levels of these emissions can contribute to poor local air quality (NOx) and contribute to human ill-health (particulates).

The challenge for engineers has been to create an engine that emits low levels of CO2, NOx and particulates. That’s what Honda is striving to achieve.

Euro 5 legislation limits the amount of NOx and particulates that can be emitted from vehicles and came into force for all new vehicles from September 2009. The i-DTEC engine was one of the first Euro 5 compliant engines to the market, when launched in the Accord in 2008 and delivers reductions in NOx and particulates.

What is piezoelectric technology?

Certain crystalline materials (like quartz, Rochelle salt and certain ceramics) have piezoelectric behaviour. When you manipulate them in a certain way, often by applying pressure, you get a charge separation within the crystal and a voltage across the crystal that is sometimes extremely high.

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For example, piezoelectric materials are often used in push button lighters. When you press the button, the popping noise you hear is a little spring-loaded hammer hitting a crystal and generating thousands of volts across the faces of the crystal. The voltage created is about the same amount as the voltage that drives a spark plug in a petrol engine.

Piezoelectric materials also work the other way: if you apply a voltage across the crystal, the crystal will change shape. The change is very slight in most cases, but it is enough to push or drive small items. For example, in digital watches with a beeping alarm, the beeper is a little piezoelectric speaker. In Honda’s i-DTEC engine, the piezo crystal controls precise fuel injection!

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Petrol engine

Honda’s 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine remains for the 2010 CR-V and is also now compliant with Euro 5 legislation.

2.0-litre

Key features:

Capacity: 1997cc

Power: 150PS @ 6,200rpm

Torque: 192Nm @ 4,200rpm

Top speed: 118mph (man) 110mph (auto)

CO2: 190g/km (man) 193g/km (auto)

The CR-V’s petrol engine offers a combination of impressive performance and fuel economy to meet customer demand and can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission

The petrol engine manages a top speed of 118mph (manual) and 110mph (auto), fuel economy of 34.9mpg (manual) and 33.6mpg (auto) and sprints from 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds for the manual and 12.2 seconds in the automatic.

VTEC technology

The CR-V’s petrol engine uses Honda’s long-established VTEC system which is able to adjust the lift and opening duration of the valves. The system is complemented by Variable Timing Control (VTC) which takes into consideration engine load, controlling the phasing of the inlet camshaft. These work together to produce a remarkably broad and smooth power band with exceptional torque and horsepower. Based on input from a position sensor located at the rear end of the inlet camshaft, the engine’s ECU varies the inlet camshaft position relative to that of the exhaust camshaft. In this way it can advance and retard the opening of the inlet valves.

During acceleration, VTC is set at a relatively small degree of valve overlap which provides the best output, the valve opening angle using the inertia of the intake air. In addition, as engine speed builds, the VTEC mechanism switches from the low speed cam to the high speed cam, but with the same degree of overlap.

At high engine speeds, there is much greater overlap which reduces pumping losses, maximises exhaust gas recirculation, and provides the best balance between fuel consumption and output.

Finally, at idle and low engine speeds during light load conditions, inlet valve opening is retarded for minimal overlap, generating strong swirl and therefore stable combustion.

Servicing21

The 2010 CR-V is fitted with a variable servicing indicator, which calculates when the next service is required. The first service is usually required at around 12,500miles.

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Driving dynamics

Many people who choose to drive an SUV, do so because they like the high driving position and the feeling of safety and confidence it gives. Meanwhile, some drivers opt for a car in this category because they enjoy the assurance of four-wheel drive, whether that’s for confidence while towing, or getting out of a sticky situation in everyday use.

But if, primarily, you’re using an SUV on the road, is there a reason why that vehicle can’t offer all of the above, and still drive like a ‘normal’ car? It’s a question we at Honda asked ourselves. Too many SUVs are soggy and uninvolving. The ride is often wallowy and steering sometimes feels indirect. So Honda wanted the CR-V offer a higher driving position, the security of four-wheel drive, the practicality of an SUV and the driving characteristics of a saloon car.

One reason why the CR-V boasts the top-selling SUV position is because of these first rate handling characteristics. The CR-V also has a small turning circle of 2.96 turns to lock, making it suitable for urban driving too.

At a glance

• Low centre of gravity for car-like handling and road-holding ability

• Small turning circle for urban driving

• Wide track front and rear

• Compact toe control link MacPherson strut front suspension

• Compact reactive link double wishbone rear suspension

• Responsive 4WD system

• VSA with Trailer Stability Assist standard on all models

• Electric power steering on petrol models, hydraulic on diesel models

• ABS, EBD braking and Brake Assist standard

Centre of gravity

To deliver a flatter ride, with greater stability, the CR-V’s centre of gravity is low in comparison to some other SUVs. Lower engine mountings, repositioning the spare wheel beneath the rear floor, and reduced weight of certain items such as the tailgate and bonnet allow for this.

Front suspension

The front suspension is specially designed and tuned for compact packaging, supple ride comfort and long wheel travel for harsh roads.

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MacPherson struts are employed again at the front, with geometry settings including a high caster angle ‘trail’ to provide sharp, on-centre response and stability.

Toe-control dynamics help deliver sharp and responsive steering, and the steering gear unit is mounted in a low position to improve steering rigidity and reduce friction.

Suspension springs can, under compression, exert torsional forces and in doing so influence steering precision feel. On the CR-V, inversely wound springs (wound in the opposite direction to one another) effectively cancel each other out and neutralise this.

Rear suspension

A super-compact rear suspension design minimises damper intrusion into the cabin, thus maximising luggage space.

The nature of the reactive link design means that, under braking, forces are transmitted through the suspension structure, causing the rear mounted toe control arm – located at 90 degrees to the force – to flex backwards.

The suspension assembly is pushed rearwards, which affects the bushes that fix the lower wishbone to the chassis. They move in a diagonal direction, which pulls the trailing arm into a toe-in direction.

The rear dampers feature a progressive valve design that gives both a smooth ride and precise handling characteristics. These units use valves that are less resistant to high speed damper piston movement (such as those created by bumps and road impacts when the car is at low speeds) and provide more resistance to the small, low-speed movements when the vehicle is at high speeds.

The latest CR-V continues to offer Honda’s efficient and convenient Real Time 4WD system which only comes into operation when required. It does so automatically, without any extra driver input. Real Time 4WD enables the CR-V to cope with light off-road driving – over dirt roads or slippery grass fields for example – while providing greater on-road security in slippery conditions.

How it works

In normal, everyday driving conditions, Real Time 4WD operates as a conventional front-wheel drive system. But if the front wheels begin to lose traction, then it automatically starts to send power to the rear wheels.

At its heart is Honda’s innovative Dual Pump unit, which is integrated with the rear differential. This features two hydraulic pumps, one driven by the front wheels via a transfer gear and propeller shaft, the other by the rear wheels via the rear differential.

While front and rear wheels turn at the same speed, the front and rear pumps operate at the same speed. During these conditions, hydraulic fluid circulates between the two pumps, however no pressure is generated. In effect, the fluid pressure created by the front pump is equalised by the rear pump.

If the front wheels begin to turn faster because of slippery conditions, then the two hydraulic pumps turn at different rates, and hydraulic pressure proportional to that

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difference is generated. That pressure is fed to a multi-plate clutch that engages the front propeller shaft to the rear diff, which then feeds precisely the correct amount of torque to the rear wheels to increase overall traction.

As rear wheel drive is only engaged when it is really necessary, frictional losses are reduced and thus there’s an improvement in fuel economy.

Body

The CR-V uses a monocoque construction, rather than a separate body-on-frame, with all the benefits of improved rigidity, crash performance and weight reduction. When introduced in 2008, it defined new standards for torsional and bending rigidity in the SUV market, achieving a level similar to D-segment saloons and a handling balance to match.

More high-tensile steel for lighter, stronger body

The benefits of using a higher percentage of high tensile steel in the body of the CR-V are threefold: greater stiffness; lighter weight; better crash protection.

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)

All CR-V models are equipped with VSA as standard. It is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres, by applying brake force to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and managing the throttle and ignition systems.

At its simplest level, VSA has a traction control function whereby it detects wheel slip under acceleration and coordinates the use of braking and engine torque to regain traction. In situations where the driven wheels are on surfaces with different levels of traction, such as a partially wet road surface, the system applies braking action to the wheel that’s slipping, allowing the tyre with better grip to move the vehicle. In addition, the system reduces engine output to minimise wheelspin.

An indicator light flashes on the instrument panel while the system is actively enhancing the stability of the vehicle. A cockpit switch to the side of the instrument panel is provided to disable the VSA.

Braking system

All CR-Vs are equipped with 4-channel ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) which adjusts front-to-rear brake effort to achieve maximum braking performance and stability.

In the event of a rear wheel locking-up on a slippery road, less braking pressure is applied to the opposite wheel to help stabilise the rear end. All models feature brake discs all round, 293mm ventilated at the front, and 302mm solid at the rear.

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Meanwhile, a variable, speed-sensitive steering system features quick gear ratios for an agile response to driver inputs, providing greater assistance at low speeds for easier manoeuvring, and less at higher speeds for a more direct feel and stability.

Petrol-engined CR-Vs are equipped with electric power steering (EPS), while diesel-engined models use a hydraulically-assisted system.

Wheels and tyres

Newly-designed 18-inch wheels are now fitted as standard on ES and EX models, shod with 225/R18 tyres, while SE grades get 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/R17.

Caravanning, Boating, Towing

For towers the CR-V is a popular choice. And, for those that prefer towing with an automatic transmission, of course the new diesel automatic will be a welcome addition to the CR-V line-up.

The towing capacity on both petrol and diesel automatic CR-Vs is 1500kg (braked). Manual petrol models can tow 1600kg (braked trailer) while diesel manuals manage a very competitive 2000kg.

All CR-Vs come fitted with Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) as standard, which will quickly restore stability by using a combination of reduced engine torque and precisely controlled braking should a towed trailer cause snaking. Working in conjunction with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), the two measures ensure towing safety is continuously monitored and corrected.

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Sector-leading safety technology

The CR-V boasts sector-leading active safety technology, some of which is unique to the sector.

Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) – which is available as an option on the EX grades – comprises two separate technologies: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

One of the most common causes of accidents is the delay between the driver acknowledging an oncoming accident and the taking of evasive action.

As a result, Honda has concentrated on pre-crash developments like CMBS, which improve the car’s response to critical situations. CMBS is particularly effective at minimising rear-end impacts.

A millimetre-wave radar sensor in the CR-V’s front grille recognises a collision is imminent. CMBS reacts in three ways; the driver is given an audio warning and a visual brake warning. If no action is taken the alarm is given again and an E-pre-tensioner lightly tugs at the driver’s seatbelt as light braking is applied. If still no action is taken and the system decides that a collision is unavoidable, strong braking is applied along with strong seatbelt retraction.

CMBS will not bring the car to a complete stop, but it will aid the driver to avoid a collision, or lessen the severity if an accident does occur. As with all Honda driving aids, the driver remains in control at all times.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Using the same millimetre-wave radar as CMBS, mounted in the grille, ACC measures the time (thus distance) to the vehicle ahead, while vehicle speed and yaw rate sensors detect the vehicle’s driving parameters.

ACC can maintain a set speed like a conventional cruise control, but in addition it can also automatically control vehicle speed and distance relative to the car in front, travelling in the same lane.

When the distance to the car in front falls below a predetermined value (set by the driver), the system instantly decelerates the car through throttle control and if necessary by braking (with a force of up to 0.25G).

In instances where quicker deceleration is required e.g. sudden braking by the car in front or being cut up, the system will alert the driver with a warning light and a buzzer, prompting them to apply the brakes. If the car in front changes lane or increases speed again, then the system will increase the speed back to the predetermined value.

ACC operates at speeds between 20-112 mph and providing the M ‘main’ switch is activated.

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Safety in detail

In addition to the active safety measures available as options on the CR-V, a full suite of passive safety measures are fitted as standard, including front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, dual stage SRS front airbags, side airbags for front seat passengers, full length curtain airbags, front and rear seatbelt reminders, active front headrests and and ISOFIX fittings and tether anchor points for child seats all fitted as standard.

Active front headrests

The CR-V is equipped with active front headrests which reduce the likelihood of neck injury in rear impacts. As the occupant is pushed against the seat back, a rigid plate in the seat presses a link to the headrest pushing it up and forward to support the head.

ACE Body Structure

The CR-V, as well as most other current Honda models, features an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, designed to enhance passenger safety in the event of a collision between multiple vehicles. ACE disperses and absorbs collision forces over a larger frontal area, and prevents misalignments with another vehicle’s safety structures helping to reduce damage to that car as well.

Research shows that features such as ACE dramatically improve a pedestrian’s chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle, and the revised CR-V incorporates many pedestrian-protection design features, such as:

• windscreen wiper pivots designed to break away

• a new collapsible boxed frame structure beneath the base of the windscreen which provides impact energy absorption

• energy absorbing front wing mounts which help lessen injuries

• the bending structure of the bonnet hinges which help mitigate injuries

• a bonnet frame designed to bend and deform

• an unobstructed area beneath the bonnet allowing greater space for deformation

Active Front Lighting (AFS)

Headlights that turn to illuminate the road in the direction the vehicle is heading – is also available of EX grade CR-Vs, using the High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.

The side airbags have a dual chamber designed to offer optimum protection for the pelvis and the torso. As offset frontal impacts can lead to a rebound where there are strong lateral forces, the curtain airbags are now deployed to protect occupants’ upper bodies in such situations.

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The front passenger seat airbags can be deactivated when using a childseat and the airbag status is displayed in the information display in the centre console.

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For further information, please contact:

Emma Knight

01753 590193

[email protected]

Steve Kirk

01753 590232

[email protected]

www.hondauk-media.co.uk

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