Andrew Smith, Auto Coordinator
When Honda launched its CR-V in 1995 they started a trend with SUVs which combined the comfort of a sedan, the utility of a minivan and some off-road capability. In the 12 years since its origin, more than 2.5 million CR-Vs have been sold in 160 countries. Now the redesigned third generation has arrived in Jamaica, thanks to local dealers ATL Motors who unveiled the vehicle at a very glitzy launch last Wednesday. Three lines will be available in Jamaica, the 2.0 litre RVi ($2.9 million), the 2.0 litre RVSi ($3.2 million) and the 2.4 RVSi ($4.1 million). The former two feature a 4-stroke SOHC i-VTEC 16-valve, in-line 4 cylinder engine and the latter features a 2.4 litre DOHC engine.
THE NEW GENERATION
As with any line with pedigree, the new generation must retain the standards that made their forbears proud, while at the same time adapting to, and being a trail-blazer in modern times. Previous models appealed to middle-income young adults that needed safety features and clearance to negotiate Jamaica's pot-hole-ridden roads without severely
destroying the undercarriage. Real off-road enthusiasts by-passed the CR-V as it was more a "Sports" than a "Utility" vehicle. Yet, as David Ross, ATL Motors managing director said at the launch, it is the company's best selling vehicle.
The 2007 CR-V has built on the features that made the previous generations so popular, yet has expanded and refined itself for 2007. They have done this by expanding the width by 1.18 inches and making it closer to the ground by 1.37 inches, thus lowering the centre of gravity and increasing its car-like handling. It has also revised the 4WD system, sending 20% more torque to the rear wheels if slipping is detected. Front suspension consists of MacPherson struts, while the rear uses reactive link double wishbone with coil spring suspension, all designed to make the ride more comfortable. The spare tyre has been hidden in the truck and the rear door now opens from above.
SAFETY
One of the advances in the 2007 model is its new body structure that makes it safer in the event of a collision -safer for the occupants and the unfortunate individual who might be hit by the SUV. The body features Honda's ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) structure that channels and dissipates energy from front and back collisions. According to reports, the bending rigidity is increased by 84% over the previous CR-V. Dual SRS airbags are standard with all models, and side airbags with the two RVSi editions. Honda says that if contact is made with a pedestrian, the hood is designed to deform on contact to reduce the scale of injury. Of course, the scale of this is dependant on the speed of the vehicle.
So the third gen. CR-V is here. Initial reports worldwide seems positive, and Auto is scheduled to test drive the vehicle this week, so for more details read anon., or you can check it out today at the ScotiaWheels car show at the National Arena in Kingston!
