Honda launches all-new CR-V at L.A. Auto Show

November 18,2011

Here’s a bit of good news for Honda, for a change: the company has launched the all-new fourth-generation CR-V at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new CR-V (American version) features a new 2.4-liter inline-four iVTEC engine dishing out 185 bhp and 220 Nm. Paired with a five-speed automatic, the CR-V is capable of up to 11 km/liter, for reportedly class-leading fuel mileage.

The front design looks neater, with Honda’s three-bar grille. The bulky rear no doubt adds to cargo room but gives a bit of a hunchback look. The taillights are distinctive and attractive. Overall, the new CR-V looks more Volvo and less Ssangyong.

As befits these more efficiency-conscious times, the CR-V features an Eco Assist indicator that tells the driver via green visual cues surrounding the speedometer how badly he is consuming dinosaur juice. An Econ mode also “alters operating characteristics of the vehicle to support an efficient driving style”—probably by altering the throttle and transmission settings to favor low-rev driving.

What will surely win converts and retain customers is the CR-V’s interior. The interior features a very clean and orderly cabin design, and what seems to be a very roomy five-passenger cabin. The rear seats split-fold nearly flat for bigger cargo area, via a pair of convenient handles located near the rear door. The American version will feature electronic features such as SMS text messaging read-aloud function (which may or may not be desirable), and a Pandora Internet Radio interface integrated into the CR-V’s audio system.

The new CR-V goes on sale in December in America, with the rest of the world to follow next year.

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