The fourth-generation Honda CR-V was launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Thursday.
The five-passenger, all-new, fully re-designed 2012 CR-V features an upscale styling direction, improved fuel efficiency, and adds more features and functionality. The car will arrive at Honda dealerships across the U.S.A. on December, 15.
The predecessor of the 2012 CR-V was applauded as the "Top Recommended Vehicle" and the "Best Retained Value SUV under $25,000" by Edmunds.com, besides being named the top compact crossover SUV in dependability by J.D. Power and Associates. Compact on the outside, the new CR-V is spacious from inside, representing the perfect balance for size and capability in the entry SUV domain. The SUV marks for improved car-like interior comfort, with more innovative features than its predecessor.
The new Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat included in the 2012 CR-V makes it much more convenient to access the full capability of the cargo area, as compared to the traditional folding seats. Each side of the rear seat can be neatly folded flat into the front of the cargo area with the help of a release levers located near the tailgate, or by using a pull-strap on the seat side.
The car comprises a more efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque, as well as the all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System. Powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower, along with 163 lb-ft. of torque along with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission, the car's EPA-estimated fuel economy(1) has been rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD), and a compact SUV-class leading 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined (AWD).
Two new features on the 2012 CR-V is the Eco Assist, which tells the driver when the vehicle is being operated in an efficient style using "green" visual cues around the speedometer; and an optional ECON Mode alters the operating characteristics of the CR-V to offer an efficient driving style. A new feature on the CR-V is an SMS text messaging feature, which can read received messages on compatible handsets as aloud over the audio system. Another new introduction is the Pandors Internet Radio Interface, which works with the audio controls and i-MID of the car.
New standard features on the 2012 CR-V comprise an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat, and more standard technology features. New high-tech features on all models comprise a Bluetooth (2) HandsFreeLink phone interface, a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rear-view camera with guidelines.
The CR-V lineup begins with the CR-V LX model, which comes fitted with air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, i-MID, remote entry, a 160-watt, a 4-speaker audio system, as well as Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). The CR-V EX comprises an additional power moon-roof, upgraded six-speaker audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels, while CR-V EX-L builds on the rich features of the CR-V EX with the additions of a leather-trimmed interior, 10-way power driver's seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, 328-watt 7-speaker audio system with XM(4) Radio.
The car is quite safety-savvy, as every CR-V includes as standard equipment VSA- an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision.
It also comprises an Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure in the vehicle's front which makes it highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy in case of a frontal crash.
