2015 Honda CR-V facelift – 2.4 i-VTEC with CVT for the US, and 1.6 i-DTEC with nine-speed auto for Europe

2015 Honda CR-V

We saw the first official photo of the 2015 Honda CR-V facelift last week, and now comes the full unveiling. There are two different versions: one for American markets – where the CR-V is claimed to be the best-selling SUV for the past decade – and the other for Europe. Each gets its own set of under-the-hood updates.

The US model receives a new Earth Dreams Technology 2.4 litre direct-injection i-VTEC engine with 185 hp and 245 Nm of torque. That’s the same power as the previous non-direct-injection engine, but with 24 Nm more. To compare, the Malaysian-spec CR-V 2.4 (also without direct-injection) makes 190 hp and 222 Nm.

Also new is the transmission the engine is paired to. A CVT gearbox with seamless G-design Shift takes over from the old five-speed auto, contributing to improved efficiency claims across the board. The new combined fuel economy ratings are 12.3 km/l (FWD) and 11.9 km/l (AWD), both up by 1.3 km/l (all US EPA ratings, not comparable to Europe’s NEDC consumption figures).

For the European markets, however, the CR-V will have a different machine altogether. Diesel is the name of the game there, and there will be an uprated Earth Dreams Technology 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine with 160 PS and 350 Nm taking place of the 150 PS/350 Nm 2.2 litre i-DTEC unit of old.

All new is the transmission, this time a nine-speed automatic gearbox that is sourced from ZF – previously introduced on the 2015 Acura TLX. The updated engine and transmission combo emits just 135 g/km, 20% better than before. Front-wheel drive versions make do with the existing 120 PS/300 Nm 1.6 i-DTEC engine and six-speed manual transmission.

On the outside, there isn’t a big change over the outgoing model. The front headlights gain fancy new LED DRLs, while the split-level grille now conforms to Honda’s latest “Solid Wing Face” design trend. Round the back, the lights have new graphics, with a prominent chrome bar running across the tailgate. New wheels and redesigned front and rear bumpers complete the update.

The US and European models look very similar, though the latter is still branded as a prototype at the Paris Motor Show where it will be displayed. Compared to the American model, the red European show car has a different front bumper underguard, bigger wing mirrors and wheels, a shark-fin antennae and LED taillamps.

Inside, the 2015 Honda CR-V gains a centre console armrest, sliding sunvisors and rear air con vents, with 10-way power adjustable front seats, a HondaLink-compatible 7.0-inch touchscreen head unit and a powered tailgate available as optional extras. Sound insulation is said to have been thoroughly improved too.

A updated suspension design with revised shock absorber tuning and improved Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) help deliver a more refined driving feel too, says Honda.

2015 Honda CR-V

A new suite of safety systems, all housed under the Honda Sensing package, can be had in the USA too. This includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Honda LaneWatch.

The Honda Sensing pack is only standard in the Touring, a brand new range-topping trim line that also adds large 18-inch wheels and special badging. In the USA, the home-built (in the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio) 2015 Honda CR-V facelift is covered by a three-year/58,000 km warranty and a five-year/96,000 km powertrain limited warranty.


European Honda CR-V ‘Prototype’


US-market 2015 Honda CR-V facelift

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • WaJib on Oct 01, 2014 at 10:49 am

    The facelift shape still look very aunty. Like aunty fetch kids to school. CX5 still look better

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 28
    • Well, you can’t say they don’t cater to their target market.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
    • Sammy Valley on Oct 01, 2014 at 11:51 am

      Motorhead slogan is correct: Tiada enjin, kita beli enjin.

      Hear that Proton? To sell Iriz in Europe better buy Honda enjin 1.6L diesel. Kerja banyak senang, tarak kasi pening kepala.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
  • kenot on Oct 01, 2014 at 10:49 am

    As usual, US and Europe always get superior spec and quality.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 0
  • This i-DTEC will power the Iriz Active. Possible?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
    • AVH (Member) on Oct 01, 2014 at 12:02 pm

      350Nm of Torque to the front wheels? on a car weighing 1100+ kg?

      It’ll be pretty something I would say, the Golf GTD has 375Nm on a nearly 1400kg chassis.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Oct 01, 2014 at 10:58 am

    honda rest of world….screw 7 and 8 speed auto…we jump straight to 9 speed….back in malaysia….we remain as 5 speed

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 35 Thumb down 0
    • gambate on Oct 01, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      That’s why Axia when compared to Iris is a letdown.
      Top variant still 1.0l, no VSC/VDC
      That doesn’t count fuel emission std here, we are left behind.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • seancorr on Oct 01, 2014 at 4:24 pm

      Even car such as the Pug 208 and the Vios are still running on 4 speed auto…phail~!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Sam Loo (ori1) on Oct 01, 2014 at 11:01 am

    I see Tucson and Santa Fe owners pooping in their pants now

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 9
  • NormanTheGreat (Member) on Oct 01, 2014 at 11:06 am

    Doesnt mean 9 speed its always a better option,breakdown time its useless and repairs?More gears more money to fork out for part replacement..for now Honda focus more on torque for better acceleration and fuel saving,no need turbo.Its true in Europe you either give full specs or diesel engines to have a piece of cake there..Unless youre Continental brands

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 16
    • what are u talking about NO TURBO….Thats 1.6 diesel idtec is a Turbo diesel ler!! know ur facts ler dulu be4 comment…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
  • superbird #43 on Oct 01, 2014 at 11:18 am

    i always thought that an suv’s drivetrain layout should be either an rwd, with some equipped with transfer case to allow the possibility of a it being a part time 4wd or an awd for bad weather and road conditions driving, typically found in msia .
    the fwd configuration in an suv just doesnt make sense to me, it just doesnt.
    anyone disagree with me, feel free to comment….
    Cheers :D

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • lonelyobserve (Member) on Oct 01, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      In the older days where most vehicles are rear-wheel-drive (RWD), SUV is configured with RWD or 4WD with optional transfer case installed. For those full-time 4WD SUV, the torque distribution will be rear wheel-biased. Besides this, the main characteristic of the engine under the bonnet is that engine is longitudinally installed, i.e. north-south position.

      FWD derived SUV is new type of configuration whereby cost saving, fuel economy and space saving are main factors to be considered when building this type of vehicle. The 4WD layout is for better traction on wet/slippery, snow and gravel surface but not intended for hardcore off-roading. This type of 4WD SUV (normally without transfer case) is called AWD (all wheel drive) SUV. The main characteristic of the engine under the bonnet is that engine is installed transversely, i.e. east-west position.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • heybadigol (Member) on Oct 01, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      FWD SUVs and AWD SUVs that are FWD based (that includes the CRV, CX5 etc) are more for the market that wants a high seating position. Doubt any of them will ever even bring their cars offroad. So thats why they are FWD in normal driving conditions. When the AWD system detects slip, then only the power gets pushed to the rear wheels. Its called a slip and grip system. So they still have torque steer (like a normal FWD car) as engine is an east-west configuration, as one drive shaft is longer than the other.

      On the other hand, Audi & Subaru uses a permanent AWD system, which is by default powering all 4 wheels. But the bias gets changed between front & rear (and side to side) automatically according to certain parameters (except for the STi where the driver can manually choose the bias front & back). Its these parameters that are the secret for both systems. But honestly, you wont see anybody driving Audis & Subarus offroad either (except for maybe a few Subarus). But its good to know that it can do it pretty well, if need be. These AWDs systems have engines in a north-south configuration (like RWD cars). Which gives them superior roadholding to the FWD based systems as the driveshafts are equal lenght.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
      • lonelyobserve (Member) on Oct 01, 2014 at 1:31 pm

        Additional information. Subaru boxer engine consists pairs of pistons in opposite direction but share the same crankshaft and due to the engine design, the engine is unable to installed in east-west layout (transverse) due to the length of the cylinders (depends on the displacement) on each side.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
        • heybadigol (Member) on Oct 01, 2014 at 7:42 pm

          Thanks! Didnt know that that was the reason why Subaru uses longitudinal layout.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • superbird #43 on Oct 01, 2014 at 2:28 pm

      to @lonelyobserve and @heybadigol, thanks for the info….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Oct 01, 2014 at 11:49 am

    Honda malaysia better buck up the spec sheet of the facelifted model all face to lose out in terms of sale to upcoming X-trail, hot on its trail…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • heybadigol (Member) on Oct 01, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    Wow, they are giving the 9 speed auto straight from an Acura TLX (a luxury sedan) to a family hauler. Ok, its manufactured by ZF, but it still uses Honda’s logic and programming. Europeans are so lucky!! They also get all the cool wagons/estates, whereas we only get the normal sedan variants only here.

    Meanwhile, in Malaysia (and Asia Pacific for that matter), is there any chance the DI engine will come here? I’m not expecting the 9 speed auto here (seeing how the City/Fit gets CVT), but at least the DI engine will be very welcomed. Mazda6 & 3 in Malaysia already comes with DI, in addition to the usual Germans. Lexus, Hyundai, Kia has DI too. So, DI should be safe for use in Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • That IDtec engine is a proper gem. Sadly we will never get this here due to our “clean” diesel…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Kittfoxx on Oct 01, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    CVT???!!!! Yucks

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
  • Marieta on Oct 01, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    What’s wrong with current Honda interior design nowadays meh…they look so full of cheap plastic and rattle-friendly..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • Darius on Oct 03, 2014 at 4:25 pm

    Well, They will keep on selling out dated spec in Malaysia till their sales drop. And then they will think about adding little bit newer accessories and sell again. look at Toyota

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required