New 2023 Honda CR-V gets a radical rethink with plug-in tech
Honda has chosen the trusty CR-V as its first UK plug-in hybrid model, boosted cabin space, and edged up the price
Honda’s CR-V has a sizeable, loyal following in the UK – and the Japanese brand is hoping to build on that with arguably one of the biggest steps in the model’s history. The all-new, sixth-generation CR-V will arrive later this year, sporting more cabin and boot space than ever before, and a pair of electrified powertrains, including Honda’s first plug-in hybrid in the UK.
The model may herald a radical technical rethink but its design is clearly an evolution of what’s gone before. There’s a more complex honeycomb front grille but the side profile is typical CR-V, with the notable kick in the lower window line around the C-pillar, and the usual high-mounted tail-lights. It’s larger than the outgoing model, and the wheelbase has been stretched by 40mm, helping to deliver 15mm more legroom for rear passengers. Despite this growth spurt, Honda has no plans to offer the CR-V as a seven seater; it doesn’t believe that the layout is needed in Europe, and prefers to leave it to the larger Pilot model in the United States.
This CR-V switches to a choice of electrified powertrains, including a development of the same e:HEV setup that features in the existing Civic. Honda has not issued power figures or performance data but we’d expect it to be around 181bhp. The non-plug-in CR-V will return fuel consumption of 48mpg and CO2 emissions starting at 134g/km.
The plug-in hybrid uses a further evolution of the same set-up, albeit with additional transmission systems to allow towing, and a considerably larger battery (17.7kWh). Honda is already claiming that this capacity will support up to 51 miles of electric-only range; that would potentially drop the model into the eight-per cent benefit-in-kind tax band, making it one of Honda’s most appealing SUVs to date for company-car choosers.
Inside, there’s plenty of space for four adults and an almost-flat rear floor that should ensure the CR-V remains comfortable, even with five occupants. Up front, there’s the same nine-inch infotainment system as found in the Civic, and many of that cars trim and finishes – notably the fascia treatment – are scaled up for use in the CR-V. Kit will include leather upholstery on all versions, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an uprated version of Honda’s Sensing suite of safety systems, and on the PHEV version, self-parking technology.
The boot, meanwhile, looks large for the class, and unusually, its capacity increases in the plug-in version (because its battery is located beneath the floor, instead of below the rear seats). Expect hybrid versions to have 587 litres, and PHEV editions to offer 617 litres – in addition to an underfloor compartment that’s large enough to store charging cables.
The boost in size and more sophisticated powertrains are clear signs that Honda is nudging the CR-V upmarket. As such, we’d expect a modest increase on the current car’s pricing when the first examples land in UK showrooms this autumn; a starting figure of around £35,000 would seem appropriate, with the PHEV version nudging £40,000.
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