New Honda CR-V launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Honda has officially launched the new CR-V e:HEV in South Africa, replacing the existing model while simultaneously lowering the price of its flagship SUV.

The CR-V is the Japanese brand’s most exclusive product in South Africa, following the discontinuation of the Type R.

This new model is the first to be equipped with Honda’s self-charging hybrid technology and has a starting price of R949,900, making it R91,400 cheaper than the outgoing model.

This includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty, a 5-year/90,000km service plan, 3-year roadside assistance, and an 8-year/200,000km hybrid battery warranty.

Engine

The new SUV is decked out with a 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine, which develops 106kW and 189Nm on its own. It also has two electric motors that generate a total of 135kW and 335Nm.

According to the manufacturer, the engine and motors are not combined with a complex planetary gear system like they are on most hybrids.

Instead, the powertrain is split into five main components, starting with the traction motor, which is connected directly to the driveshaft and moves the wheels.

Next is a generator motor, connected to the engine, which turns the output into electricity that is funneled to the traction motor and battery.

The third component is the 2.0-litre engine itself, which exists primarily to generate electricity rather than drive the wheels.

Fourth is a lock-up clutch that links the engine to the wheels at cruising speeds through a fixed ratio equivalent to the top gear of a manual gearbox.

Finally, there’s a Power Control Unit, which manages the flow of electricity between the motors and a lithium-ion battery.

“Because the wheels are driven by either the electric motor or a direct engine connection, the e:CVT has no conventional multi-speed gearbox, belts or pulleys,” said the company.

“This simplicity reduces friction losses and gives smooth, seamless acceleration.”

The SUV also has three driving modes:

• EV Drive – when pulling away and in town, the CR-V runs on the traction motor alone, using battery power with the engine switched off. It drives like an electric vehicle: silent, instant torque, no fuel used.
• Hybrid Drive – under harder acceleration or when the battery needs charging, the engine starts and drives the generator motor. The electricity goes to the traction motor, topped up by the battery for strong acceleration. The wheels are still driven electrically; surplus power recharges the battery.
• Engine Drive – at steady highway speeds, where a petrol engine is more efficient than a motor spinning at high revs, the lock-up clutch engages and the engine drives the wheels directly. The traction motor can still add power for a quick overtake.

Features

Honda’s flagship SUV has returned to a five-seat layout, giving it more luggage space compared to the previous models.

It has RS styling with gloss-black bumpers and a dual exhaust, as well as a panoramic sunroof, RS leather seats, white ambient lighting, a head-up display, a wireless charger, a 9-inch infotainment screen, and a 10.2-inch TFT instrument cluster.

Additionally, the CR-V has a LaneWatch camera, and the Honda SENSING driver assistance suite with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Collision Mitigation Braking System.

Honda CR-V