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.
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
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The facelift shape still look very aunty. Like aunty fetch kids to school. CX5 still look better
Well, you can’t say they don’t cater to their target market.
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.
Tun M said that earlier & quoted by Motorhead later.
Saw Moto* name makes me feeling like to puke
dei macha,,,,this is because camtakpro kicked in yo
As usual, US and Europe always get superior spec and quality.
This i-DTEC will power the Iriz Active. Possible?
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.
honda rest of world….screw 7 and 8 speed auto…we jump straight to 9 speed….back in malaysia….we remain as 5 speed
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.
Even car such as the Pug 208 and the Vios are still running on 4 speed auto…phail~!
I see Tucson and Santa Fe owners pooping in their pants now
better than u, keluar blood cos butthurt too much
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
what are u talking about NO TURBO….Thats 1.6 diesel idtec is a Turbo diesel ler!! know ur facts ler dulu be4 comment…
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
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.
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.
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.
Thanks! Didnt know that that was the reason why Subaru uses longitudinal layout.
to @lonelyobserve and @heybadigol, thanks for the info….
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…
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.
That IDtec engine is a proper gem. Sadly we will never get this here due to our “clean” diesel…..
CVT???!!!! Yucks
What’s wrong with current Honda interior design nowadays meh…they look so full of cheap plastic and rattle-friendly..
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