Honda completely renews the CR-V SUV, the company's best-selling model in the world, and enriches it with a new generation hybrid, both in a full-hybrid and plug-in version.
The first of the two engines, e:HEV, was the subject of a long test by ANSA Motori, with tests involving it for a few thousand kilometers in the city and on long journeys.
First of all, the glance: this sixth generation of the Japanese flagship is characterized by a more aggressive and powerful design, with high standards of safety and comfort and without leaving connectivity behind.
The line is immediately recognisable, but with a design evolution that makes it 'badder' at the front, thanks also to the redesigned grille (different for the e:PHEV plug-in version).
At the rear, the LED lights maintain the vertical development, but with a fusion between brakes and direction indicators.
The wheelbase extended by 40 mm gives on board increased space to a level comparable to a higher segment SUV, and rear access is facilitated by the doors that open to almost 90 degrees.
The new CR-V grows slightly in size and measures 4.70 meters with a width of 1.87 and a height of 1.67: wider proportions, in addition to offering legroom in the rear seats, increase the capacity of the trunk and stability at higher speeds.
The interiors are very well looked after, in line with the characteristics of the company's models, and designed for maximum comfort which also benefits from the extensive use of technology, ranging from wireless smartphone charging to a sophisticated 360 camera system degrees.
Note the camera which is automatically activated when turning or returning from overtaking.
There is ample space on board, both in the front and rear seats.
Accessible from the electric tailgate is the 587 l boot, well organized inside, with a low loading threshold and flush floor.
Under the hood pulsates the e:HEV engine, but revised and updated for the CR-V: the battery is smaller, but with a greater energy density combined with a more efficient engine.
In practice it is the 2.0 petrol engine, combined with the newly developed automatic transmission, that recharges the battery.
The propulsion motor and generator on a separate axle give a 6.5% increase in torque to 335 Nm, and the electric motor's 148 hp output is matched to the electric's 184 hp.
The transmission is essentially electric, with the petrol engine acting as a generator, but which can become propulsion: in this case it also activates a second gear.
The declared sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is 9.4 seconds in the all-wheel drive version tested, with a maximum speed of 187 km/h.
When driving, even on fast or bumpy roads, the soundproofing is of a high level and, thanks to the sophisticated assistance systems, driving is completely relaxing.
The suspensions are a compromise between the softness of comfort and the rigidity of sportiness: suitable for all occasions, as long as you take care to tackle potholes and dips at an adequate speed to avoid rolling.
Consumption varies greatly depending on the type of journey.
In fact, if in the city the speed exceeds 18 km/l (Honda declares 5.7 liters per 100 km) thanks to the full help of the electric and energy regeneration, on the motorway the mileage is halved.
The price list for the Honda CRV starts at 49,900 euros, for the Advance AWD version being tested it is close to 56 thousand euros.
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