Hoping to bolster sales in the twilight of its life cycle (the new CR-V has already been revealed abroad), Honda South Africa has launched a more affordable version of its CR-V compact SUV.
Interesting though is that unlike most softroader ranges, Honda has not taken four-wheel drive out of the picture in its new base model, its permanent AWD system remaining a standard feature.
SO WHAT'S LOST?
Engine and specification, basically. Until now the CR-V was only available in 122kW/220Nm 2.4-litre petrol or 110kW/350Nm 2-litre diesel guises, but the new 2.0 Comfort sees the fitment of a 2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that pushes 110kW at 6200rpm and 192Nm at 4200rpm.
The new motor can be mated to either a six-speed manual, for which Honda claims a 10.2 second 0-100km/h run and 190km/h top end, or a five-speed automatic gearbox that's good for a 12.2 second 0-100 and 177km/h top speed.
Claimed average consumption is listed at 8.1 litres per 100km in manual form and 8.2 l/100km for the automatic.
On the specification front, compared with the 2.4 Elegance model the 2.0 Comfort loses its multi-function steering wheel, multi-information display and leather upholstery - replaced by Alcantara fabric.
Although Honda has not released pictures of the new 2.0 Comfort, it doesn't appear to have lost any of its more expensive siblings' style, with 17-inch alloy wheels and partly colour-coded bumpers remaining on the spec list.
There's no skimping when it comes to safety either, the 2.0 packing front, side and curtain-level airbags, VSA vehicle stability assistance, TSA trailer stability assistance and a tyre deflation warning system.
THE PRICES
2.0 Comfort - R309 900
2.0 Comfort AT - R323 900
A BIG SAVING
That's a good R63 100 less than the next cheapest model, the 2.4 Elegance and the price still includes a five-year/90 000km service plan. The warranty is valid for three-years or 100 000km and service intervals are pegged at 15 000km
ALSO CONSIDER
Hyundai ix35 2.0 GLS 2WD - R289 900
Kia Sportage 2.0 4WD - R312 995
Nissan X-Trail 2.0 XE 2WD - R299 000
Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4WD - R319 000
Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX 4WD - R317 700
VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI 4WD - R318 200