Honda’s CR-V medium SUV is now in its fifth generation (MY2018), and finally on sale in Australia. It brings a number of new features and technologies to the SUV to help give it stronger credentials in the demanding segment.
Modest price gains are offset, Honda says, by major increases in standard equipment and a more powerful, efficient engine. The all-new CR-V will kick off from $30,690 for the base VTi model. This is a $900 increase from its predecessor, but it scores a new 1.5-litre turbo engine generating 140kW and 240Nm.
This output compares favourably with most price-point rivals, which charge significantly more to get comparable outputs. As Honda Australia’s director, Stephen Collins, enthused about this fact in a recent statement, saying:
“Unlike most competitors, the all-new Honda CR-V offers an advanced 140kW VTEC Turbo engine as standard across the range, which delivers a fine balance of power and efficiency to every customer.”
All CR-V models come powered by the VTEC Turbo engine, attached to a CVT automatic. There is one variant with seven seats, the 2WD VTi-L from $38,990, while on-demand all-wheel drive is a $2200 option on VTi-S and standard on the range-topping VTi-LX variant.
The larger, more fuel efficient (7.3L/100km for FWD, and 7.4L/100km for AWD) CR-V comes standard with a 7.0-inch touch-screen interface, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker stereo system, active noise cancellation and a full suite of driver safety and assist systems.
See below for a model-by-model rundown of 2018 CR-V equipment levels, and pricing with differences compared with equivalent outgoing models.
MY2018 Honda CR-V VTi 5-seat 2WD – $30,690 (up $900)
MY2018 Honda CR-V VTi-S 5-seat 2WD – $33,290 (up $1000)
MY2018 Honda CR-V VTi-S 5-seat AWD – $35,490 (up $200)
MY2018 Honda CR-V VTi-L 7-seat 2WD – $38,990 (down $300)
MY2018 Honda CR-V VTi-LX 5-seat AWD – $44,290 (down $1500)
VTi
- 140kW VTEC Turbo engine
- Earth Dreams Technology CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
- Smart keyless entry with push button Start
- Active Noise Control (ANC)
- Dual-zone climate control
- Multi-angle reversing camera with dynamic guidelines
- 7.0-inch Advanced Display Audio with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 8-speaker audio system
- Electric Parking Brake with automatic brake hold
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
- Front fog lights
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Full size alloy spare wheel
- Driver Attention Monitor (DAM)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
VTi-S
Features of VTi grade PLUS
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Power tailgate
- Built-in satellite navigation
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic dusk-sensing headlights
- LaneWatch
- Optional Real-Time All-Wheel Drive system (VTi-S AWD)
VTi-L
Features of VTi-S grade PLUS
- 7-seats with split-fold 3rd row
- Panoramic sunroof
- Leather-appointed seat trim+
- Heated front seats
- 8-way adjustable electric driver’s seat with lumbar support & memory
- Automatic rain-sensing wipers
VTi-LX
Features of VTi-L grade (excluding 7-seats) PLUS
- Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies
- Real-Time All-Wheel Drive system
- LED headlights with active cornering lights + LED front fog lights
- Digital Radio (DAB+)
- Privacy glass
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
