Bold and Sophisticated Styling and Turbo Engine Power Restate the All-New 2017 Honda CR-V as the Outright Benchmark Compact SUV

 

Oct 13, 2016

• America's Best-Selling SUV gains more powerful turbo engine offering class-leading fuel efficiency
• Honda Sensing™ technology now standard on EX and higher trims
• New Display Audio featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
• More premium interior boasts larger cabin with best-in-class rear seat legroom and larger, more versatile cargo space

DETROIT – Honda has pulled the wraps off an all-new, fifth-generation CR-V, America's best-selling SUV over the past 20 years. The completely redesigned and reengineered 2017 CR-V, going on sale this winter, boasts bold new styling, a more premium interior, the model's first-ever turbocharged engine and a host of new features and technologies aimed at maintaining CR-V's status as the outright benchmark in the highly popular compact SUV segment. American car buyers have purchased nearly 4 million CR-Vs since its U.S. launch in 1997.

"The new Honda CR-V raises the bar in every imaginable way, delivering more performance, space and premium content together with higher fuel economy ratings and value than ever before," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. "Customers are going to love what they see and what they experience behind the wheel of this new CR-V."

Bold and Sophisticated New Design
The new CR-V styling heads in a fresh new direction with an aggressive attitude, thanks to crisp and sharp front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all trims, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase, short rear overhang and dual exhausts give the new CR-V a more sophisticated and athletic presence.

The CR-V's new windswept front end appearance includes signature Honda LED headlights (Touring trim), a Honda-first Active Shutter Grille that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminum alloy wheels (sizes 17 to 18 inches depending on trim) and narrower A-pillars for improved visibility. Adding convenience is a Honda-first available Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate, which allows opening and closing the tailgate with a foot activated sensor under the rear of the vehicle. Available Auto High Beam with High Beam Support (AHB) headlights, chrome garnishes, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails and numerous Genuine Honda Accessories also expand beauty, convenience and functionality.

New Powertrain and Chassis Technology
The 2017 CR-V in EX and higher trims will feature CR-V's first ever turbocharged engine, a more powerful and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter DOHC, direct-injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder powerplant rated at 190 horsepower (SAE net) and delivering incredibly refined and responsive performance across the engine's full operating range. Combined with the CR-V's more aerodynamic body, the new turbocharged powerplant will garner the highest EPA fuel economy ratings in the compact SUV class. CR-V LX trims will be powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC, direct-injected i-VTECÔ engine, and both engines will be mated to a smooth shifting and sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic. Detailed specifications, including EPA ratings, will be provided closer to launch.

The all-new body and chassis design in the 2017 CR-V provides more agile and confident handling, greater refinement, additional ground clearance and superior overall versatility. Its front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension utilize specially tuned low-friction dampers, with both FWD and AWD models including tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bars that promote quick turn-in and flatter cornering. Dual-pinion, variable ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) also contributes to the CR-V's direct and satisfying steering feel.

More Premium, Spacious and Technologically Advanced Interior
The 2017 CR-V also raises the bar for interior refinement, utility and premium features in the compact SUV class. The more spacious cabin, with top-in-class interior space and the best rear seat legroom in its class, features upgraded materials throughout, including a new soft-touch instrument panel and more intricately stitched seats. A color TFT driver information interface (DII) center meter display adds to the handsome new design aesthetic.

The CR-V offers the latest in-vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a new generation of advanced technologies. Available features include a 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface with Android operating system that now features a physical volume knob as well as an available new Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ developed in cooperation with the experts at Garmin®. The CR-V 's Display Audio system is compatible with the Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ platforms, giving customers seamless integration of key smartphone features and functions, including smartphone-powered GPS navigation and voice-controlled search capabilities.

Some of the key new comfort and convenience features available on the 2017 Honda CR-V include remote engine start, dual-zone climate controls, heated side mirrors, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB), rear USB charging ports, front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and driver's seat with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way power lumbar support and heated front seats.

Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
The refreshed 2015 CR-V debuted the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, helping it capture the 2015 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year honors. The 2017 CR-V further expands the application of Honda Sensing as standard equipment on EX and higher trims, expected to account for upwards of 75 percent of CR-V sales.

Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). Additional new driver-assistive technologies include the available Blind Spot Information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) and Auto High Beam (HSS) headlights.

Utilizing Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2017 CR-V targets the highest available collision safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with Honda Sensing.

The 2017 Honda CR-V will be produced at three plants in North America – in East Liberty, Ohio; Alliston, Ontario, Canada; and, for the first time, in Greensburg, Indiana using domestic and globally sourced parts. Engines for the new CR-V will be manufactured in Anna, Ohio and in Alliston, Ontario, with the CVT being produced in Russells Point, Ohio. 

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/releases/bold-and-sophisticated-styling-and-turbo-engine-power-restate-the-all-new-2017-honda-cr-v-as-the-outright-benchmark-compact-suv

2017 Honda CRV Front End?

Comparing this to the spyshots, looks legit.

AutoExpress: New Honda CR-V ready to grow with seven seats for 2017 model

by Jonathan Burn of www.autoexpress.co.uk

Next-generation Honda CR-V will be bigger than current model, and is set to be pitched against the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Honda’s largest European SUV is about to become even bigger. The fifth-generation CR-V will be based on a new platform and is set to be powered by a range of new engines. The focus will be on a more upmarket experience when the new SUV arrives in UK showrooms in 2018, and our exclusive images preview how it could look.

Prototypes have already been spied testing in the US and despite the heavy disguise, one thing is clear; the CR-V will significantly grow in size. With the Jazz-based HR-V muscling into Honda’s SUV line-up, the Japanese maker is bulking up the larger CR-V and possibly fitting a third row of seats for the first time. That means a new batch of rivals, including the Nissan X-Trail, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Kia Sorento.

The CR-V will share a chassis with the new Civic hatch, which arrives in dealers next February. The wheelbase on the all-new SUV could increase by around 80mm over the existing car’s, with overall length boosted by 50mm. Proportionally, this will bring it closer in line with the X-Trail.

The CR-V was North America’s best-selling SUV last year, with more than 345,000 cars finding homes. Honda is hoping a mild exterior refresh will also help widen the model’s appeal in the UK, where between 15,000 and 20,000 models sell annually.

Our spy shots show how the trademark ‘Solid Wing Face’ grille merges with the lights to ensure the nose retains Honda’s family DNA. It’s most evident in the narrower yet longer LED headlamps. As our images show, the rear is dominated by bolder, L-shaped lights that stretch wider on to the bootlid.

Changes will also extend to the engine range. Honda has recently confirmed new 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.5 i-VTEC turbos, plus an updated 1.6-litre diesel for the Civic, and it’s likely the new CR-V will benefit from the two larger units. There should also be a revised version of the 2.0-litre petrol with Honda’s latest technology. There’s no word on a plug-in, but with ever-tightening emissions regulations, a hybrid is a real possibility.

Four-wheel drive will remain an option, as will the nine-speed automatic transmission, which is unashamedly geared towards economy. Standard models will be front-wheel drive and come with a six-speed manual gearbox, however.

Improvements in tech and quality will also be on the agenda. Honda had set ambitious targets to sell six million cars annually by 2017, yet new CEO Takahiro Hachigo put the brakes on his predecessor’s target to focus on raising quality. Expect plusher materials and extra sound-deadening in the CR-V, plus a more modern infotainment system with a suite of smartphone-integration apps.

The new Honda will be built alongside the HR-V in Japan, launching in the US towards the end of 2017. We can expect to see it in UK showrooms the following year.

Source;
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/cr-v/95445/new-honda-cr-v-ready-to-grow-with-seven-seats-in-2018

Auto Facil Renders the 2017 Honda CRV

Another look at what the next generation Honda CRV is probably going to look like.  Last month a camo'd test mule was spotted and the front end was pretty easy to see, this rendering looks to be pretty accurate.

Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2016/04/next-generation-honda-crv-rendering-229771

Indianautosblog.com: 2017 Honda CRV Rendering

by Aravind Jayachandran of www.indianautosblog.com

Will offer a third row seating option for the first time, according to reports.
Based on spyshots of the pre-production prototype, IAB’s rendering artist, Shoeb R Kalania, has created a mockup of the next generation 2017 Honda CR-V.

The next CR-V will draw cues from the tenth generation Honda Civic and the current CR-V, as seen in the trapezoidal grille flanked by sleek LED headlamps. The bumper has also been redesigned with more sculpted features and larger intakes for a sportier look.

The side profile hasn’t drastically changed. The overall greenhouse, even in the next gen model, is still very much current CR-V-like. The rear-end gets sporty new L-shaped taillights that look similar to the new Civic and the Acura Concept SUV-X. As for the interior, there are no details or images at the moment, although reports suggest that a three-row version could be offered for the first time in select markets.

The next-gen Honda CR-V will be ride on the tenth-gen Honda Civic’s platform. Other than i-VTEC naturally aspirated engines, Honda will also offer all new turbocharged petrol engines as well as a diesel-powered option, with displacements between 1.5- to 2.4-litre. There will also be an option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motor.

Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2016/05/2017-honda-cr-v-rendering-230000

Car and Drvier: 2017 Honda CRV Spied!

Honda's supremely popular crossover grows a bit and adopts a slightly less minivan-like look.

By JOSEPH CAPPARELLA

What It Is: The fifth generation of Honda’s supremely popular CR-V crossover, likely based on the new platform that underpins the recently redesigned Honda Civic. The new CR-V is rumored to grow a bit compared with the current model, with the possible addition of an optional third-row seat to help bridge the gap between it and the significantly larger Pilot. The CR-V also looks to adopt a sportier and more upscale look based on these spy photos, which show a larger, more aggressive front grille along with a longer hood and a less minivan-like stance. The CR-V’s signature vertical taillights are clearly visible, and the headlights look like they’re taken directly from an Acura. We can’t see much of the crossover’s interior, but practicality and spaciousness will surely remain a priority.

Why It Matters: The CR-V has sat atop the growing compact-crossover sales heap for the past several years, but its lead is eroding as new competitors arrive with more-advanced technology features and improved driving dynamics. The Ford Escape and the Toyota RAV4, for instance, are ahead of the CR-V in the sales race so far in 2016. With this redesigned CR-V, Honda surely will be looking to take back its crown, with class-leading fuel-economy figures, tech offerings, interior space, and—if the new Civic’s great chassis is any indication—driving dynamics. It’ll have to beat the Mazda CX-5, our current favorite among small crossovers, in that regard.

Platform: The new Honda Civic’s modular chassis, which will also underpin the next-generation Accord sedan. The current CR-V’s 103.1-inch wheelbase will likely grow, possibly to match the 2016 Civic sedan’s 106.3-inch wheelbase. Also expect changes to the Civic’s basic architecture to accommodate mechanicals for the all-wheel-drive system that will be optional for the CR-V.

Powertrain: With Honda’s push into turbocharged technology, the Civic’s new 174-hp 1.5-liter turbo four will probably be the CR-V’s standard engine. It may be tuned for more emphasis on low-rpm torque for use in the heavier CR-V (the current model’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 185 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque). Although the Civic lineup will soon offer a six-speed manual paired with this engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission will likely be the only choice for the CR-V. As before, front-wheel drive will be standard with all-wheel drive available as an option.

Competition: Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester

Estimated Arrival and Price: Look for the new CR-V to arrive sometime in 2017 as a 2018 model. Pricing shouldn’t change much compared with the current CR-V, which starts at $24,645 for a FWD LX and ranges up to $34,295 for a loaded, AWD Touring model, although the possible third-row option could drive the stickers higher for those packages that include it.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2018-honda-cr-v-spied-news

Next-gen Honda CR-V teased, will have a plug-in hybrid variant – Report

Likely to have a 7-seat version.
The current, fourth generation Honda CR-V was introduced in 2011 and given a facelift in 2014. The fifth generation Honda CR-V is said to arrive in 2017 and is currently under development in North America.

As per Japanese website Response.jp, below is the first teaser of the fully redesigned model, indicating an exterior having cues borrowed from the tenth generation Honda Civic. The sketch, published in March, suggests a sharper and more aggressive rear-end. The tail lamps no longer stretch to the roof in a Volvo-like fashion, they’re rather similar to the Honda Civic’.

According to Response, the fifth generation Honda CR-V will have a plug-in hybrid electric variant, hosting a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor.

The regular variant will likely be offered with turbocharged and naturally aspirated petrol and diesel engines (diesel not for North America) with displacements between 1.6-litre to 2.4-litre. The next-gen Honda CR-V is officially confirmed to be based on the all-new Honda Civic’s platform and feature a turbocharged petrol engine.

In December 2015, an engineering mule wearing the current CR-V’s body but with a stretched wheelbase was seen in a spy shot. There’s no denying that Honda wouldn’t considered a seven-seat version for the next-gen CR-V. Stephen Collins, Director at Honda Australia, recently hinted at a three-row version of the Honda CR-V in the fifth generation, which will also focus on more technology. Honda could follow the strategy of the Nissan X-Trail and the Hyundai Santa Fe, of offering 5- and 7-seat versions (doubtful that the 7-seater would be for North America).

Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2016/04/next-gen-honda-cr-v-teased-plug-in-hybrid-variant-227370

Honda Australia wishing for ute and large SUV, may have to settle for seven-seat CR-V

We are not expecting the 3rd row seat CRV to get to North America, even though we expect it to be the same increase in size....

by Matt Campbell of www.driveadvice.com.au

A seven-seat version of the next-generation Honda CR-V could form an important pillar for Honda Australia, as the brand has confirmed it is unable to secure a large SUV or dual-cab utility vehicle in the near future.

At a business meeting this week with media, Honda Australia director Stephen Collins gave the best indication to date that Australians could get the next-generation Honda CR-V – likely due in 2017 – with three rows of seating.

“One of our big projects now that we’re working on is the next-generation CR-V. And I’ve got nothing to give you on that, I’m afraid. But I think trying to keep customers in your brand and having products that they can grow in to, or downsize to, is important.

“I think, in an ideal world, we’d love a large SUV,” he said, but following on from earlier reports by CarAdvice regarding a seven-seat CR-V, it appears clear that there is no viable option for an even bigger SUV to be offered locally.

Collins said a seven-seat CR-V is “under consideration”.

“If we were to be able to provide that sort of option, then I think that would sort of help us in that journey of customers upsizing and also downsizing,” he said. “I think we’re pretty covered on the downsizing front, it’s more the upsizing part.”

While Collins wouldn’t tell the assembled media if we would get that vehicle, he did say that the decision of whether to offer such a model has already been made.

Collins went on to explain how the Pilot SUV and Ridgeline pick-up that are designed for the US market would be on his wish list for Australia, if they were to be made in right-hand drive. But he admitted that there is a long way to go before such models would be viable here.

“In terms of what’s available, probably the two gaps for us in the market as we see it, are a large SUV – you don’t have to be Einstein to work that one out, we know there are certain variants available in the US that are only available for the US market.

“So at this stage there’s nothing on that horizon. But I think we will continue to scour the world for an option in terms of a large SUV,” he said.

“I think there’s no doubt that not having a large SUV makes it more difficult through that journey,” he said of retaining buyers who outgrow their current Honda.

“We’ve certainly made that desire known. The question comes, you know, for right-hand-drive markets, whether we can build a business case. At this point that’s not able to be done. I wish I could sit here and say it is, but it’s not.

“Our Asian office, and the global product planning office, is certainly aware. The numbers show it. The large SUV segment is growing, it’s not going to go anywhere south anytime soon. And nor are commercials,” he said.

The Ridgeline dual-cab pick-up is designed for lifestyle users rather than hardcore tradies, something that Hyundai is likely targeting with the production version of the Santa Cruz ute.

“We don’t have a pick-up available. There is one in the US. But again the prospect of a pick-up becoming available in the short term is not an option for us,” Collins said.

“So we’re going to concentrate on what our core business is, and what our core business is is selling SUVs and passenger cars.”

Source;
http://www.caradvice.com.au/425221/honda-australia-wishing-for-ute-and-large-suv-may-have-to-settle-for-seven-seat-cr-v/

Honda expands turbo power to 2017 Honda CR-V

by Parks McCants

As announced Wednesday by Honda Motor Company President and CEO Mr Takahiro Hachigo, 2017 Honda Accord and CR-V SUV, the best selling SUV in North America will come to market with a turbocharged engine option. The goal here is not necessarily one of higher engine power output.

Despite the current low pump price of unleaded gasoline, in the long run, auto manufactures anticipate the eventual return of high priced gasoline. And then there’s that C.A.R.B. (California Air Resource Board) target of sooner than later ZERO exhaust particulates emissions. Both events lead up to a super low emissions, high to no fuel efficiency future.

Honda Motor Company Ltd. fully intends to meet or beat the emissions target -- by averaging near zero exhaust emissions achieved through the installation of small displacement, high output turbocharged engines -- throughout the car and light truck lineup, as found in the all new 2016 Civic Coupe.

Further promised by CEO Hachigo is the stateside delivery of the manufactured in Japan 2017 Accord gasoline/electric hybrid. This is a bi-year for the Honda Accord Hybrid in the U.S., as Honda shifts production of the car from Ohio to Japan -- due to increased production demand of CR-V and Pilot SUV.

The advantage to the consumer of turbocharging is two fold, higher engine performance and greater fuel efficiency -- something that Honda continues to do very well.

Honda points to the timely launch of the next generation Clarity FCEV. ( Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) It’s all going to happen, first in Tokyo, then in Los Angeles. As to expanded fuel cell development implementation, Mr. Hachigo notes the Honda, General Motors co development of the next generation fuel cell generator. GM’s looking to place 500,000 units on the road in the next decade. Honda?

According to Honda, by the target year 2030, 70 % of all new Honda cars and light trucks on the road in North America will be electrified, in one way or another. That’s good for California. I’m looking to ‘plug in’ electric vehicles to comprise most of the fleet. Note: Presently, less than 5% of all Honda vehicles manufactured to date are electrified.

2017 Honda CR-V Hybrid
While there’s talk of a possible hybrid 2017 CR-V making it to North America markets, I doubt it. Looking to present CR-V average MPG -- the highest in the compact class crossover segment, utilizing the 1.5 Liter turbocharged Earth Dreams ™ VTEC gasoline engine for 2017 CR-V motivation, would not only increase CR-V horsepower and torque specifications, but most likely increase fuel efficiency by a percentage point or two. A great enough increase in fuel efficiency to maintain CR-V’s “best in class” accolades.

Source;
http://www.examiner.com/article/honda-expands-turbo-power-to-2017-honda-cr-v-1

Automotive News; Honda may be prepping CR-V with 3-row seating for overseas markets

by David Undercoffler of www.autonews.com

LOS ANGELES -- Honda Motor Co. has been spotted testing a CR-V mule that looked like it’s flirting with a third row of seats for the next-generation model. But don’t bet on that coming to the U.S.

The single photo shows a prototype model shot from the side, with the distinctive CR-V taillights running up the rear of the car. The front is entirely covered, with a pair of bolt-on headlights sticking up from the hood.

But the most interesting bit is the rear door. Or, more specifically, its length. Blacked-out with camouflage tape, the door is conspicuously longer than on the current production CR-V. Could the next-gen CR-V, due in 2017, be available with a third row of seats?

Sources say yes, but not in the U.S.

Abroad, the CR-V competes against other compact crossovers with three rows, which are steadily becoming popular replacements for MPVs, those weird little minivans. Plus, adding a third row to the CR-V puts more space between it and the new HR-V globally.

But in the U.S., where the CR-V is the top-selling crossover, Honda has the Pilot and Odyssey to offer buyers looking for maximum people-moving capabilities. So expect this prototype to keep its residency elsewhere.

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20151203/OEM04/151209927/honda-may-be-prepping-cr-v-with-3-row-seating-for-overseas-markets

2017 Honda CR-V to grow in size

As mentioned in previous posts, Honda has plans for the next CRV.....

The above is NOT the next CRV, it isHonda's Concept D, obviously more wagon than SUV, however if they are indeed making the next CRV a 3 row option, they would need to stretch out the length.  Gives you an idea of a possible direction, raise the roof and get the idea.

Next version of the CR-V looks set to grow and could offer seven seats as standard when it goes on sale in 2017

by Darren Ross of www.autocar.co.uk

The next-generation Honda CR-V will be a larger and more premium product than the current car when it arrives in 2017, Honda’s head of cars in the UK Leon Brannan has confirmed.

Speaking to Autocar at the launch of the 2015 Honda HR-V in Lisbon, Brannan said the car would become larger in order to make room for the new HR-V in Honda’s product range.

Brannan also hinted that the new CR-V would offer seven seats as standard and four-wheel drive, in a bid to rival more premium products such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Volvo XC60.

“CR-V is a massive pillar for us,” Brannan said. “I’m not sure that HR-V in the UK will ever become a four-wheel drive car, most people in this segment will vote with their feet and buy two-wheel drive. So if we can assume that HR-V will ever only be two-wheel drive, then you’ve got to proposition [with CR-V].

“Can we compete with Land Rover as a brand? That’s less about CR-V and more about Honda as a brand. Now we have the growing vehicle line-up you’ll see more communications about Honda.”

The interior of the new CR-V is expected to borrow heavily from the HR-V, including that car’s touchscreen infotainment system and dashboard layout.

Engines could mirror those found in the HR-V, including the 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel and 128bhp 1.5-litre petrol.

The next Honda CR-V is expected to be built in Canada before being imported into the UK.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2017-honda-cr-v-grow-size

Next Honda CR-V to offer seven seats

Not sure what to think about this one, whether or not it would make sense to make one let alone for North America. Their have been various smaller SUV's that have tried the 3rd row (Rav-4 and currently the Nissan Rogue) and I don't think it's gone too well. The next full redesign for North America will be for 2017. I for one am doubtful on this, however you could make a case for the CRV to move up in size seeing as the HRV has just been introduced. Only time will tell....

by www.motoring.com.au

Honda is developing both five-seat and, for the first time, seven-seat versions of the next-generation CR-V due within two years, motoring.com.au has learned.

Sources within the Japanese car maker this week revealed the twin-model strategy, which will echo the line-up of direct rivals including the Nissan X-TRAIL and Mitsubishi Outlander, as well as the more upmarket Land Rover Discovery Sport.

At this stage it's not known whether both versions of the fifth-generation CR-V, which is due for global release by 2017, will be based on the same wheelbase – as with the X-TRAIL, Outlander and Disco Sport.

Alternatively, it could be produced with two different wheelbases like Toyota's previous RAV4, which was available in Japan in LWB V6 form.

As we've reported, Volkswagen is developing up to three versions of its second-generation Tiguan, which is expected to be available at least in Europe in short-wheelbase five-seat, long-wheelbase seven-seat and more stylish CC-style four-door 'coupe' forms.

Similarly, Mazda is believed to be working on a stretched, 5+2-seat version of Australia's top-selling SUV, the CX-5, which could revive the CX-7 nameplate and slot in beneath the redesigned CX-9 due to appear late this year.

Honda's Odyssey people-mover remains popular, but a two-pronged CR-V model range would give Honda Australia its only seven-seat SUV and potentially arrest sliding sales of the current model as the Japanese car-maker's latest Honda Pilot and Acura MDX remain left-hand drive models off limits for this market.

Once Australia's top-selling SUV, the CR-V has fallen from favour with Australian buyers, with sales of the current fourth-generation (which was launched here in November 2012 and bolstered by the first diesel variant in January 2014) slumping by almost 16 per cent so far this year with just 3235 sold.

Meantime, the CX-5 has found almost 10,000 homes to May (up more than 13 per cent year-to-date), while the newer X-TRAIL (7477 – up 45% YTD) and RAV4 (7411 – down 7.1%) have also doubled the CR-V's sales.

Even the older Subaru Forester (4423), latest Jeep Cherokee (3539), Outlander (3421) and aged Kia Sportage (3247) have proved more popular than the CR-V this year, in a segment that has lifted more than 10 per cent for the year so far.

Honda Australia director Stephen Collins admits he's unhappy with CR-V sales but expects a new marketing campaign in the second half of this year and a smaller 1.6-litre diesel variant early next year to buoy sales.

"We're not entirely happy with CR-V [sales], so that'll be a focus for the second half [of 2015]," he said. "

"We need to get on more shopping lists. Volume still pretty good but there are a lot of new entrants and we need to get amongst it."

But the biggest problem for the CR-V appears to be the customers downsizing to the Japanese brand's all-new HR-V compact SUV.

"HR-V is the second best-selling privately purchased small SUV and the vast majority is incremental... but some [buyers] have come from CR-V," said Collins.

In fact, despite only going on sale in February, the HR-V has outsold the CR-V in 2015 with 3891 registrations – well above Honda's own 800/month sales target – making it the fourth best selling small SUV and creating delivery delays of more than two months on some versions, especially high-spec variants.

"We're on track for 5000 [HR-V sales] in the first half [of 2015]. Including our June forecast we'll sell an average of 1000 HR-Vs a month. The biggest issue is supply to keep sales going," said Collins.

Thanks largely to its three smallest models – the HR-V, Jazz hatch (3700 sales – up 104% YTD) and City sedan (1037, up 57%) – Honda sales are up 24 per cent this year and on track to top 40,000 in 2015.

"We had a few sceptics at the start of the year when we targeted 40,000 sales... but now we're well and truly on track for that," said Collins, who added that returning to 60,000 annual sales remains Honda Australia's long-term goal.

Collins said the overall market's 4.5 per cent sales increase to May, putting it on track for another record year, masked much bigger growth in sales to private buyers, which at 54 per cent of the market are the highest ever, as sales to non-private customers are in decline.

Driven by free-trade agreements, price reductions, insurance claims following Queensland hailstorms and strong demand in other eastern Australian states (but not WA, which is seven per cent down as the mining boom subsides), he said the growth in SUV sales to private customers was particularly strong.

Collins said that while only one in four sales in the small-car segment – which is almost 11 per cent down YTD – went to private buyers, many buyers had migrated to small SUVs (up more than 25 per cent).

"Private customers continue to move into SUVs," he said. "Although I don't expect this kind of growth to continue, it bodes well for a good second half."

Source;
http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2015/medium-passenger/honda/cr-v/next-honda-cr-v-to-offer-seven-seats-51945