Analysis: Predictions and hopes for the next generation Honda CR-V

Aside from the VW Tiguan, Honda’s CR-V is the other major contender in China’s crossover SUV market, as well as one of the most best-selling Japanese SUV models in the country. As the scale of the SUV market continues to expand, competition among vehicles in the 180,000 RMB to 230,000 RMB range grows increasingly fierce, which has made it harder for the CR-V to stay on top. This is a major challenge for the next generation CR-V, which is scheduled to be released next year.

The next iteration of the CR-V, which is its fifth generation, officially debuted at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Expo. The Chinese-produced version, which is being made by Dongfeng Honda, has already been in the planning stages for a while now, with official sales scheduled to begin next year. The new CR-V reflects new design directions at Honda, with adjustments being made to the vehicle’s dimensions and features, most importantly of which is the change to a turbocharged engine.

As the first JV SUV to be produced locally in China, the CR-V has built a strong reputation and image in the country’s domestic automotive market. Following a redesign in April, average monthly sales of the CR-V this year have surpassed the 15,000 unit mark.

It is worth noting that the bulk of those sales, over 75% in fact, were of the 2.0 L engine variant of the vehicle, while the slightly more expensive 2.4 L engine version’s contribution to overall sales was very low. Therefore, it can be said that the CR-V’s key segment is the 160,000 RMB to 200,000 RMB market (the price of the 2.0 L engine version CR-V).

The American version of the next generation CR-V measures 4,615 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,720 mm tall, which is slightly larger than the current generation model is. The CR-V wheelbase has also grown 40 mm to a total of 2,660 mm. The larger dimensions has led to considerable gains in rear seat legroom and luggage stowage capacity. Dongfeng Honda’s upcoming Chinese version of the vehicle is predicted to keep the same dimensions upon its release.

The new CR-V also sports design adjustments that are in line with Honda’s newer models, including a more dynamic, fuller form with larger windows and new taillight design.

Enhancements have also made to the vehicle’s interior. The American CR-V will use the same LCD odometer display and three-point steering wheel as the tenth generation Civic. The new media system is expected to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. While no official confirmation has come from Dongfeng Honda, it is expected that the Chinese version of the vehicle will retain these features.

The more reported change to the new CR-V is its new 1.5 L turbocharged engine. The new 1.5 L turbocharged engine is reported to offer similar performance to that of the tenth generation Civic.  According to reports Dongfeng Honda will also offer 1.0 L and 2.0 L varieties of the turbocharged engine. However, there are conflicting reports that the Chinese version will continue to offer the currently available 2.4 L engine, which boasts maximum output and torque of 186 PS and 243 Nm, respectively, mated to a continuously variable transmission.

Of course with all these additions, a key area of concern is the new CR-V’s price. On this point, industry analysts have speculated that the vehicle’s price will remain at the 179,800 RMB to 249,800 RMB range when taking sales promotions into account, with a very minor increase made to base model prices.

Over the past years, Western manufacturers have been making considerable strides in the compact SUV market, with upcoming models such as the new VW Tiguan, Škoda Kodiaq and Chevrolet Equinox looking to join the Buick Envision in carving up a slice of this increasingly lucrative segment. This will pose a major challenge to Japanese vehicles such as the CR-V, which have to show themselves capable of competing with these new models when it comes to technological advancements, driving comfort and price. This is why the CR-V not only has had to make major changes with its next iteration, it has to ensure that its price remains at the same level. Whether or not Dongfeng Honda is up to overcoming these challenges with the new CR-V remains to be seen.