Honda refreshes 2015 Honda CR-V, new powertrain and new tech too

The Honda CR-V has been updated for 2015 with a refreshed design, revised engine line-up and new in-car technologies to enhance its appeal to European buyers.

Available from mid-2015, the CR-V’s exterior styling updates provide a bolder and sportier appearance with a unique Honda style. The most notable changes are to the front, with redesigned headlamps that flow into the new grille. Additionally, a new bumper and skid plate give the CR-V a wider appearance and hint at its improved stability, while also lowering the car’s visual centre of gravity. Finally, at the rear, the LED combination lamps have been restyled to give the CR-V a more fluid, three-dimensional appearance.

The aim to create a more stylish and functional interior has been achieved with a reshaped chrome-effect inlay running the width of the dashboard, and through the use of high-quality materials on key surfaces. A sliding armrest (60mm fore and aft) between the front seats further enhances versatility and comfort.

New, more efficient engines
The four-wheel drive CR-V will be available with a more powerful diesel engine, and an all-new efficient nine-speed automatic transmission.

The new 1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder diesel engine, from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, provides considerably higher power ouput than its predecessor, boosting maximum power and torque to 160bhp and 350 Nm.

The engine can be used with two transmissions: either a six-speed manual, which emits a class-leading sub 130g/km of CO₂ emissions, or a new nine-speed automatic transmission. When fitted with the nine-speed unit the CR-V emits less than 135 g/km of CO₂, a significant 20 percent reduction compared to the previous five-speed automatic transmission.

The two-wheel-drive diesel CR-V, available with a manual transmission, carries over powertrains from the current model, equipped with the 120bhp 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine, with emissions as low as 115 g/km. The 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol  engine remains available, with power output of 155bhp, and now Euro 6-compliant.

Meanwhile, European buyers of the 2015 model year CR-V will benefit from one of the first applications of Honda Connect, the company‘s innovative new app-driven infotainment system.

Fitted as standard across the range, it offers greater convenience and connectivity while on the road, with a broad range of functions presented on a seven-inch touch screen display. Honda Connect gives front-seat occupants fast access to everything from vehicle information, rearview parking camera and music, to Bluetooth connectivity for their phones as well as being enabled for MirrorLink technology.

The new system’s functions include internet access, nine pre-installed apps – as well as access to the Honda App Center – optional Garmin satellite navigation, audio display, AM/FM/DAB and internet radio, phone interface and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition it offers a rearview parking camera with dynamic guidelines, and a range of vehicle information, such as tripmeter, fuel economy and journey time.