Honda has just launched its all-new CR-V with two petrol engine options - the base 2-litre unit with 154bhp, and a 2.4-litre with 187bhp. Though a 2.2-litre CTDi diesel engine is available internationally, Honda is in no hurry to bring it here, citing that added costs wouldn’t excite buyers since it would have to be a completely imported motor.

In terms of kit, the CR-V comes loaded. 17-inch alloys, ABS and EBD, multiple airbags and cruise control are standard across the range

The 2.0-litre CR-V is available with a five-speed manual as well as a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the 2.4-litre variant is only on sale as an automatic. The biggest change now is that the car is locally assembled rather than fully imported, which results in a competitive price.

Prices for the base CR-V start at Rs 19.95 lakh, while the next-in-line 2.0 AT version costs Rs 20.85 lakh. The 2.4-litre variant costs Rs 22.40 lakh, while the top-end 2.4-litre AVN version costs Rs 23.85 lakh, and both 2.4-litre versions get all-time 4WD (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

In terms of kit, the CR-V comes loaded. 17-inch alloys, ABS and EBD, multiple airbags and cruise control are standard across the range. The top-end AVN model also gets a touchscreen navigator, DVD player with Aux-in, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Both automatic variants are equipped with Hill Start Assist (HSA) that prevents the vehicle that has been stopped on a hill from rolling on inclines when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.

The boot is absolutely immense at 589 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats in place. With the rear seats flipped down, you get a mammoth 1,648 litres of luggage space.

The CR-V was originally launched in India in 2003 and in 2006, Honda launched the third generation car here immediately after its international launch. Close to 14,000 CR-Vs have been sold in India since its launch. However, the lack of a diesel engine has meant that sales have slipped over the past couple of years.

Will this all-new version bring back the CR-V into the premium SUV buyer’s reckoning? Or does it desperately need a diesel?

Tags: honda, cr v, crv