This is based on a brief test slalom session, where we manoeuvred both the new and previous-generation CR-V units quickly around several cones set up at the Putrajaya Recreational Airfield.
Compared with the previous-generation 2.4-litre unit, the new 1.5-litre CR-V is also lighter by 11kg (1,549kg kerb weight versus 1,560kg).
It should be noted that the 1.5-litre CR-V is a better drive and comes in 2WD (two-wheel drive), compared with its 4WD 2.4-litre predecessor.
Other differences include LED headlights and a tailgate spoiler (not fitted before) on the new 1.5-litre CR-V, compared with HID headlights on its 2.4-litre predecessor.
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Bookings open for 2017 Honda CR-V; bigger, safer and more powerful
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2017 Bangkok Motor Show: Honda CR-V
To recap, bookings for the new 2017 Honda CR-V have opened, and the SUV is expected to be launched in the near future.
Photos of the interior of the 2017 CR-V have been embargoed by Honda Malaysia until the official launch event.
For the first time, the 2017 CR-V has a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine mated to an upgraded Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).
The CVT is another departure from the previous-generation CR-V, which used a 5-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Developed under Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology, this new powertrain generates more horsepower and torque than its predecessor - up to 193ps at 5,600rpm, while the torque is rated at 243Nm at 2,000 – 5,000rpm.
Honda Sensing safety features
We also experienced the Honda Sensing safety and driver-assist technologies in the 2017 Honda CR-V, which aim to avoid or mitigate the severity of a collision.
Honda Sensing uses both a monocular camera and millimetre wave radar.
Safety technologies akin to Honda Sensing are typically found in high-end European or Japanese marques that cost above RM200,000.
Honda Sensing consists of seven features, which are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
At the Putrajaya Recreational Airfield, we tested the Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) features on a 500-metre stretch painted with lane markings.
We were told to set Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to 80kph, following which we lightly stepped on the accelerator pedal to get the car moving.
As soon as the car started moving, we lifted our foot off the accelerator pedal, but the car kept moving on its own accord till it hit 80kph.
We did not use the turn indicator, and allowed the car to veer to the right and hit the lane markings.
This was when the RDM and LDW activated, and the steering wheel vibrates to warn the driver, and some braking is applied automatically to slow the car.
Next, it was a demonstration of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Low-Speed Follow (LSF), where we set the speed to 80kph again, and our CR-V is supposed to follow another vehicle in front.
To put it simply, ACC and LSF provided semi-autonomous driving as our CR-V maintained a safe distance behind the other car, and adjusted its speed and braked automatically including coming to several full-stops; basically our car mimicked the speed of the vehicle ahead at all times on the 500-metre stretch.
We did not step on the brake or accelerator pedals at all!
Comparison between new 1.5-litre 2017 Honda CR-V and previous 2.4-litre predecessor.
2017 new 1.5-litre 2017 Honda CR-V (left) and previous 2.4-litre predecessor.
Honda Sensing safety suite.
Honda Sensing uses both a monocular camera and millimetre wave radar.
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
