Hey, it looks cool!
Yes, but remember that this Honda CR-V preview is still billed as a concept car. It's due to make its world debut at the Orange County auto show in California, on September 22.
But what you see here is practically identical to what we'll be seeing in showrooms, bar the flashy wheels and slim side-view mirrors.
Note how that controversial, mismatched integration of the front grille into the bumper of the current model has disappeared in this concept version. Now, there are curved, vertical tail lights that appear to ape those of the Volvo XC60.
- What about the interior?
This is the only picture that Honda has released so far. If there really is an interior in this concept, then we'll have to wait till next month to see what it might look like in the fourth-generation CR-V, due to hit American, Japanese and Thai showrooms at year's end.
Honda hasn't released any technical details, either. However, the Japanese promise "improved" levels of cabin space and comfort, as well as fuel economy for the all-new CR-V.
- Please gaze into your crystal ball.
Okay... let's see. Given the current excise-tax structure and competitive environment in the Thai SUV market with a price range of 1 to 1.5 million baht, the existing 150hp/190Nm 2.0-litre is a must due to the 30% excise tax (5% discount with E20 compatibility and 8% for E85, although the latter's not yet available in the current CR-V).
The 170hp 2.4-litre (35% and the aforementioned rebates for gasohol) would cater for performance-oriented buyers. Improved efficiency could come in the guise of direct-injection or CVT automatic (today it's a normal five-speed auto).
- What about diesel?
Hah! You must be a regular visitor to the Bangkok Post's auto website, where there's been a flurry of comments over the past few years from people crying out for diesel power.
There's a 150hp/360Nm 2.2-litre diesel-turbo and five-speed automatic combination in Europe. But Thailand's persistence with Euro 3 diesel fuel has partially hampered its availability (Honda was reportedly not keen on making modifications).
But that could change because Euro 4 comes into effect next year, while Chevrolet is enjoying brisk sales of the diesel Captiva (80% of the pre-facelift Captiva sales were diesel).
But the sticking point is excise tax: the CR-V's 2.2 is subject to 35% (compared to 30% for Captiva's 2.0). Whether Honda can afford to absorb the difference remains to be seen.
Don't forget that pickup-based SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport _ with similar prices, more metal and seven seats _ are liable to just 20% tax.
- How good is the CR-V diesel?
Not that great, simply put. The claimed average of 13.5kpl is nothing outstanding by diesel standards; BMW's latest 2.0-litre diesel-turbo is now moving towards the 20kpl mark.
Of course, that CR-V diesel is ageing and would be revitalised in next-gen form with auxiliaries like automatic stop/go system.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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