The all-new Honda CR-V has arrived!

Honda brings into the country its first 7-seater diesel SUV, the all-new CR-V.

There’s a rumble of urgency rippling through the Philippine automotive market right now, caused by the spectre of the increased excise tax set to be imposed by January 2018, with a second round following the year after.

All who have thought of buying a vehicle in the P1.6-million range and up have probably made up their mind and taken out their checkbook, or perhaps swiped their credit card.

Now to tempt those very buyers, Honda has just revealed its contender—and what an SUV it is, based on its specs.

The all-new CR-V manages to tick every box on many people’s checklists, and then some.

Here are the main features of the all-new CR-V:

Seven seats

Between an MPV and an SUV, most consumers would prefer the SUV, mainly for reasons of image, and perceived suitability for rough roads and floods.

Three variants of CR-V now pack seven seats, allowing the midsize crossover to fit the extended family.

The third row is reportedly a proper seat this time, instead of the stopgap options in previous generations of the CR-V.

Alloy wheels

With the split-folding third row tucked away, the CR-V offers a large cargo area: 472 liters.

With both second and third row folded, the CR-V can swallow 967 liters of cargo. The five-seat variant can fit 522 liters behind its second row.

Diesel engine

All seven-seat CR-Vs will be powered by diesel engines. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder i-DTEC engine generates 120 ps and 300 Nm of torque at a relatively low 2000 rpm.

This indicates that the CR-V should provide adequate acceleration from standstill, as well as enough overtaking capability.

9-speed automatic

The diesel is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission designed to efficiently utilize the engine’s torque.

More trunk space

Honda explains that the wide spread of ratios allows for a quick launch from standstill, as well as low rpm capability on the highway for better fuel efficiency and quietness.

Notably, there is no conventional shift lever. Instead, there are buttons on the center of the instrument panel for the usual park, drive/sport, and reverse functions.

Seven seats

Paddle shifters are also available. Honda has tried a similar layout on the Legend luxury sedan and NSX supercar.

Gasoline engine with CVT

For those who prefer a gasoline engine, the base CR-V is equipped with a 2.0-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine.

It produces 154 ps and 189 Nm, and is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission.

New styling

Although its silhouette may look familiar, the all-new CR-V gets a sharper, more modern appearance, thanks to numerous styling changes.

9 AT electronic gear selector

Similar to the new Civic, the fifth-generation CR-V features a sporty grille flanked by available LED headlamps.

The top SX Diesel 9AT AWD has a high beam support system that automatically changes from low to high beam under certain conditions.

The CR-V also features wider fenders, tailgate spoiler, and guide-type LED daytime running lights.

Chrome rear garnish

The top variant gets a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, and rain sensing wipers.

The CR-V upper variants ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, with the base variant getting 17-inch wheels.

Monocoque chassis and independent rear suspension

A main attraction of the CR-V is its ride; its first letter stands for Comfortable.

The all-new model is poised to carry on that tradition with front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension.

Flexible seats

The car-like suspension setup versus a pickup-based SUV’s solid rear axles should result in a smoother ride with less jouncing.

Traction and stability could also benefit from the setup. The top all-wheel drive variant has a high 208 mm ground clearance, with the others riding 198 mm high.

High-tech interior

It’s not only the shifter that has gone pushbutton. So has the engine start-stop function, and the parking brake.

Instead of conventional gauges, the CR-V has a full-color thin film transistor display panel acting as the instrument cluster, and it’s standard on all variants.

Front grille

The top SX Diesel 9AT AWD gets an 8-way power driver’s seat, with 4-way power lumbar support.

Seven-seat diesel variants have second row seats that can split 60:40, and also slide and tip forward for third-row access.

Airconditioning vents and USB charging ports are provided for the second row passengers. The third row gets its own aircon vents with independent fan control.

The CR-V features black leather seating and premium accents for all variants.

The top variants get a 7-inch touchscreen display audio system.

Honda Sensing RDM (for SX Diesel 9AT AWD)

It has wireless phone connectivity and HDMI smartphone mirroring, and acts as the monitor for the rear-view camera.

There’s also an available GPS navigation system.

Safety

The new CR-V has an entire alphabet soup of convenience and safety features, including: electronic parking brake (EPB) with auto brake hold, agile handling assist (AHA), driver attention monitor, driver and passenger airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist (HSA), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), emergency stop signal (ESS), multi-view reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, and low tire pressure warning system.

The top variants get additional safety and convenience features: lane watch camera, side airbags, side curtain airbags, and a walk away auto lock feature.

The top SX Diesel 9 AT AWD gets the full suite of active Honda Sensing technology. The driver assist systems help out during emergencies and in dangerous driving conditions.

Instrument cluster

This is comprised of: adaptive cruise control (ACC), low speed follow (LSF), collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), lane keep assist system (LKAS), road departure mitigation (RDM), forward collision warning (FCW), and lane departure warning (LDW).

Pricing

SX Diesel 9AT AWD (7-seater) – P2.049 million
S Diesel 9AT (7-seater) – P1.759 million
V Diesel 9AT (7-seater)- P1.569 million
2.0S CVT (5-seater) – P1.539 million

Starting August 9, 2017, all 36 Honda Car dealerships will start accepting reservations for the all-new CR-V.

The 5-seater gasoline variant is readily available nationwide while deliveries for the 7-seater diesel variants will start by end of September 2017.

Colors Available:

Passion Red Pearl (new color; SX Diesel 9AT AWD and S Diesel 9AT only)

Panoramic sunroof

Lunar Silver Metallic (SX Diesel 9AT AWD and S Diesel 9AT only)

Dark Olive Metallic (new color; all variants)

White Orchid Pearl (all variants; additional P20,000 for this color)

Modern Steel Metallic (all variants)

Crystal Black Pearl (all variants)

For more information about the all-new CR-V, log on to www.hondaphil.com or visit any Honda Car dealership.