[Test Drive] Honda New CR-V Hybrid Targeting Both 'Dynamism and Stability'

Honda New CR-V Hybrid

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Honda Korea has launched the new CR-V Hybrid, Honda's first hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) this year. Although eco-friendly vehicles are becoming the trend, the traditional prejudice that "hybrid vehicles have weak power and are less fun to drive" makes potential buyers hesitate. Nevertheless, Honda Korea has expressed its ambition to sell 3,000 hybrid vehicles this year, led by the new CR-V Hybrid and the new Accord Hybrid sedan.

To understand the reason behind Honda Korea's confidence, a test drive was conducted on the 4th along a 150 km round-trip course from Yeongam International Circuit to Haenam Ttangkkeut Marine Natural History Museum in Jeonnam, driving the CR-V.

The new CR-V Hybrid breaks the existing prejudice and allows drivers to enjoy driving even with a hybrid SUV. The new CR-V Hybrid is equipped with Honda's SPORT HYBRID i-MMD system, which delivers a motor output of 184 horsepower and a maximum torque of 32.1 kg·m through two motors. When lightly pressing the accelerator, the new CR-V Hybrid accelerated powerfully without any hesitation.

Honda New CR-V Hybrid Front Row

Equipped with regenerative braking using paddle shifters and a button-type e-CVT, it allows the driver to shift gears as desired when decelerating, enabling sporty driving. On downhill slopes, the vehicle's deceleration ratio can be selected to assist battery generation and charging.

Additionally, a 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle engine is applied, and depending on driving conditions, it optimally switches among three driving modes: EV mode (electric vehicle), hybrid mode, and engine mode, delivering both high performance and high efficiency. The fuel efficiency based on urban driving is 15.3 km/ℓ.

During driving, the hybrid vehicle's characteristic quietness and stability stood out. Honda's first application of a 4WD system to a hybrid system includes an electronically controlled Real Time AWD function and Agile Handling Assist (AHA) brake control, enabling stable cornering.

Honda also enhanced safety by equipping all trims of the new CR-V Hybrid with Honda's advanced driver-assist system, 'Honda Sensing,' which helps recognize external situations and prevent accidents. Through radar installed in the Honda Sensing box below the front grille and a camera mounted at the top of the front windshield, drivers can use safety systems such as ▲Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow (ACC with Low Speed Follow) ▲Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) ▲Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) ▲Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) ▲Auto High Beam. Furthermore, a hybrid-exclusive TFT digital instrument cluster is applied, enhancing convenience and visibility.

Honda New CR-V Hybrid Rear View

The new CR-V Hybrid is designed based on the ‘Tough & Modern’ concept, expressing strength and dynamism. The front features a tough and rugged bumper design and hybrid-exclusive inline-type LED fog lights. The rear incorporates wing-type decorations for an urban feel and a hybrid-exclusive rear bumper garnish.

The lithium-ion battery is placed under the cargo space floor, enabling a full flat load floor. The interior passenger space is 2,914 ℓ, and with the second-row seats folded, a maximum cargo space of 1,945 ℓ is secured, making it suitable not only for carrying large luggage but also for car camping. It supports a smartphone wireless charging system, heated seats for all seats, heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, maximizing user convenience.

The new CR-V Hybrid is available in White, Silver, Metal, Black, Blue, and Red, with prices including VAT at ▲4WD EX-L 45.1 million KRW ▲4WD Touring 47.7 million KRW.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.