Test Drive the All-New Honda CR-V e: HEV: A 2.0-Liter Hybrid Powerhouse That’s Worth the Wait!

Test drive the all-new Honda CR-V e: HEV, a 2.0-liter hybrid powerhouse that, in addition to having a luxurious appearance, is worth waiting for. In terms of driving performance, it is even more beautiful. Until it can be said that this is the “CR-V” that deserves the most money in your pocket!

Thailand, we are considered the first country. of the world that has launched and sold the new 6th generation Honda CR-V using the space within the Bangkok Motor Show 2023 to be used to reveal the details of this model. There are a total of 5 sub-models to choose from with selling prices, which are

Full hybrid e:HEV 2.0 engine

• Model e:HEV RS 4WD (5 seats) price 1,729,000 baht
• Model e:HEV ES (5 seats) price 1,589,000 baht

Gasoline engine 1.5 VTEC TURBO

• Model EL 4WD (7 seats) price 1,649,000 baht
• Model ES 4WD (5 seats) price 1,599,000 baht
• Model E (5 seats) price 1,419,000 baht

The launch created a lot of buzz from the media in the car line. Back when the new Honda BR-V and Honda WR-V were released, many media outlets (including myself) were stunned by the relatively high pricing compared to their competitors in the market. Until it’s not surprising why the amount of both models of cars is seen running on the road so little

But for the new Honda CR-V, instead press the top selling price to be cheaper than the original model (model 1.6 i-DTEC EL, selling price 1,759,000 baht before being removed from the line-up in mid-2022) plus getting full technology. A more modern e:HEV hybrid Until being able to make a reservation of more than 2,000 cars within a period of only 7 days after the first launch In addition, more than 80% of the bookings are still poured into the hybrid model. While the sales target that Honda has placed is 12,000 units per year, or about 1,000 units per month. which is considered to have surpassed the target successfully

external

For the Honda CR-V we tested this time, it’s the top-of-the-line e:HEV RS 4WD 5-seater, which is the only sub-model that has the RS exterior trim that’s more sporty than the regular model. These include a uniquely designed front grille with RS emblem, Piano Black door mirrors, Gloss Black side door moldings, Piano Black shark fin antenna and rear spoiler, and 5-style alloy wheels. Double shaft size 19 inches and more.

In terms of exterior appearance, it is designed to have sharp lines that look sharp, elegant, look more mature. The design team wanted the Honda CR-V to be a car that reflected the good image of its owner. And make pride in telling friends that Although the L-shaped taillight design is reminiscent of the current Volvo XC60 combined with the Suzuki Ertiga taillights, I personally think it looks even better than the previous model. fairly

inside

For full-hybrid engine models e: HEV, both sub-models will only have a 5-seat cabin. It comes with a console design that is reminiscent of the current Civic. Especially decorated with a honeycomb grille that hides the air vents for the front passengers inside. It is Honda’s attempt to create as much “minimalism” as possible in the passenger compartment. But still retains the luxury that customers expect from a car at this price level, such as decorating the air conditioning control buttons with silver that adds detail with etching and the touch obtained by pressing the various controls that makes it feel like this model is moving closer to being more premium

Underneath the simple design, the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS 4WD has packed standard equipment for ease of use. Whether it is an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with electric lumbar support system. The front passenger seat is electrically adjustable in 4 directions, the rear seat can be moved and folded in a 60:40 split, and there is also a driver memory seat with 2 positions.

The e: HEV RS 4WD model is equipped with a separate automatic air conditioning system, adjusting the left-right temperature, i-Dual Zone with air purification system. Plasmacluster And air vents for the rear passengers (7-seat models will add air vents above the ceiling for passengers in the 3rd row), supplemented by touch reading lights for rear passengers. And installed Ambient Light decoration for the first time in the CR-V model.

When it comes to screens, the top-end model will feature a 9-inch Advanced Touch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto via USB cable. : HEV RS 4WD is also the only model to be added with a Navigator, BOSE 12-speaker audio system and head-up display (HUD) in addition to a 10.2-inch TFT display.

There is also a wireless charger (Wireless Charger) for charging smartphones. and 4 USB power outlets together, 1 USB-A and 1 USB-C port for rear passengers and 2 USB-C ports for rear passengers

The Honda CONNECT connectivity system installed in the new CR-V is the latest version that in addition to being able to monitor the status of the vehicle in real time. There is also a Remote Vehicle Control function that can lock and unlock all doors. Including starting the engine and adjusting the temperature inside the cabin remotely It is considered another feature that is suitable for modern people as well.

In addition, the new Honda CR-V also comes with a Multi-view Camera System (MCVS) that works with front-rear shift sensors. However, Honda still chooses to use the Honda LaneWatch blind spot monitoring system instead of using sensors in the rear bumper like other brands. Which, although it’s nice to be able to see the left side of the screen fully. But the central screen will be switched to the camera every time the turn signal is turned on. It’s a bit annoying as well.

The new Honda CR-V comes with advanced safety systems Honda SENSING for all sub-models, which will work through the front camera. (Around the windshield) and radar sensors. to detect cars motorcycle and pedestrians effectively It consists of the main functions including

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• The system helps control the car in the lane (Lane Keeping Assist System: LKAS).
• Warning and control system when the vehicle leaves the lane (Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning : RDM with LDW)
• variable speed automatic control system With Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed ​​Follow: ACC with LSF
• Automatic high-beam adjustment system (Auto High-Beam: AHB)
• Warning system when the car in front moves (Lead Car Departure Notification System: LCDN)

The e:HEV RS 4WD model is the only model to feature Adaptive Driving Beam, or ADB, which adjusts the high-low beam. Independently separate left-right automatically to suit the driving situation.

while other security systems It is also fully equipped, such as cornering stability control (VSA), ABS/EBD braking system, active driving dynamics system (AHA), automatic hazard warning light when emergency braking (ESS), warning system. tire pressure (TPMS), automatic car locking system when the remote key is away from the car (Walk Away Auto Lock), front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags and front knee airbags, etc.

engine

In the full hybrid e: HEV engine model, a 2.0-liter direct injection Atkinson-Cycle 4-cylinder engine is combined. and 2 electric motors with a maximum power of 184 horsepower (electric motor), a maximum torque of 335 Newton-meters (electric motor), transmitted with an E-CVT transmission with an average consumption rate of 20.8 km / liter with a drive mode selection button Drive Mode Switch can be adjusted in 3 modes (Sport / Normal / ECON)

while the turbo engine model It will be a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine VTEC TURBO DOHC Direct Injection, producing a maximum power of 190 horsepower and a maximum torque of 240 Nm, delivered with a CVT automatic transmission with an average consumption rate of 14.3 km / liter and can support alternative oil E85.

driving

The performance of the e: HEV 2.0 liter hybrid engine admits that it can accelerate much better than expected. With a maximum electric motor torque of 335 Newton-meters, resulting in instant acceleration from standstill. until you almost forget that you are driving a 4-wheel drive C-SUV with 19-inch wheels, even when going uphill The engine still responds superbly to the weight of your foot on the accelerator pedal.

While the suspension can be said to have been improved to “perfectly fit” whether it is excellent in absorbing vibrations on rough surfaces. But still keep the stabilizer while cornering very well It is in the perfect balance between ride comfort and driving fun. Until it can be said that the suspension of the 6th generation CR-V is considered the best suspension ever made in this car.

On the way back, the author has the opportunity to switch to the 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine model, 4-wheel drive, must accept the same strength. But it is significantly inferior to the e: HEV hybrid engine that is sharper and brighter. And more importantly, in terms of consumption, it is considered clearly inferior as well. Therefore, it is recommended that if you are hesitating between turbo and hybrid engine models. Choosing to go with a hybrid model is considered the end. both in terms of performance and consumption rate

summarize

All-new Honda CR-V (Gen 6) can be said to be the best CR-V that Honda has ever produced. And it’s worth willing to pay in the range of about 1.4 – 1.7 million baht in exchange for a car for family use. But it is recommended that if it is better to pay more money to play with the e: HEV hybrid engine that is better in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. It can be said that this hour is almost incomparable.

The model used in the test is a Honda CR-V model e:HEV RS 4WD (5 seats), price 1,729,000 baht.