Sixth-Gen Honda CR-V Arrives in Europe with New e:PHEV Variant

Honda Europe’s new electrified product range showcase saw the brand debuting its second-ever EV model, the Honda e:Ny1 SUV. Aside from the ‘HR-V EV’, the marque also debuted the sixth-gen Honda CR-V in the continent.

Sixth-gen Honda CR-V e:PHEV

While most of the global markets only get the new CR-V in both pure ICE and e:HEV hybrid versions, the European market is the second in the world to get them in a plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) variant, aside from China. To make room for this partially-electrified variant, the peppy 1.5-litre turbo variant of the CR-V was dropped, meaning that all new CR-V in the Old Continent are electrified in some form.

Both the CR-V e:PHEV and e:HEV harness the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl Atkinson-cycle petrol engine that is mated to a dual electric motor setup. While the e:HEV powertrain is capable of delivering 204 HP and 371 NM, the automaker has yet to unveil the output rating for the Euro-spec CR-V e:PHEV. For reference, the China-spec CR-V e:PHEV outputs 215 HP and 335 NM, with an EV range of 73 KM, so we’d reckon it will somewhat match this specification.

Special to the e:PHEV variant is the addition of a larger lithium-ion battery pack that garners the SUV with up to 82 KM of EV range. Again, Honda has yet to disclose the detailed spec of this new battery pack, though it says the battery can be fully recharged in just 2 hours and 30 minutes, provided that the battery temperature remains constant at 25 degrees Celsius.

Visually, the European-bound CR-V looks pretty much the same as its over-the-pond counterpart, featuring a new striking front face design with slimmer LED headlights flanking the large grille. Unlike the range-topping CR-V RS in Thailand, the European CR-V lacks a few black trims at the exterior, with the only noticeable one being the 18-inch wheels it rides on.

More importantly, the sixth-gen CR-V grows 71 MM longer and 10 MM compared to its predecessor, while its wheelbase has grown by 40 MM. This, in turn, translates to roomier cabin and cargo space, so much so even the Thai-bound CR-V is offered with a three-row seven-seater layout, though the European-bound ones stick with the standard five-seat layout instead.

For the five-seater version, the rear seat bench comes with eight levels of recline adjustments, while the cargo space is 18% larger than the old model. Apart from bigger space, the new CR-V’s taller roof design with slimmer C-pillar also grants drivers with smaller blindspots and better all-around visibility.

Things also look pretty much the same as we go on board the Euro-spec CR-V. Honda’s latest front dash layout, which can also be seen on the new Civic, consists of a large 9-inch infotainment display that sits above the central air vents, while drivers get a smaller 7-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Elsewhere, the CR-V sports premium cabin amenities including dual-zone air conditioning, wireless charging pad, as well as Bose 12-speaker premium sound system. First-time ever appeared in any Honda models in Europe is the latest omni-directional Honda Sensing 360 premium safety suite.

Already making its launch, the sixth-gen Honda CR-V will commence deliveries in selected European markets later this year, with pricing set to be announced closer to the delivery date. For reference, the locally-assembled (CKD) sixth-gen CR-V in Thailand starts at THB 1.419 million (RM186,478), with the range-topping e:HEV RS spec commands the highest price tag of THB 1.729 million (RM225,956).

With both the Old Continent and the neighbouring Kingdom already getting the sixth-gen CR-V, it is only right that Malaysia will be next in-line to get it. As we reported before, Honda Malaysia is planning to launch at least three new models this year, with one of them more than likely to be the new CR-V. 

Like many other Honda models before, the Malaysian ones usually mirror the Thai specs, which means that we might not get the e:PHEV variant here. After all, Honda Malaysia has insisted before that hybrid is the right technology for now, as the firm plans to launch more e:HEV models in near future.

Should Honda Malaysia plans to upshift its electromobility plan by launching the plug-in CR-V into our local market, the new CR-V will not only be the first PHEV model offered by the firm, but also the first within its segment to be offered with it.