Though the current Honda CR-V was launched in India in 2013, it hasn't been able to garner good sales numbers yet as it gained a bad reputation for featuring a thirsty engine. Moreover, the segment it is in is too competitive now. However, to keep up with the competition, Honda has now unveiled the fifth generation CR-V with seven seats and a powertrain option of a diesel automatic. The new CR-V is scheduled to be launched in 2018. Here are five things you should know about it.

1. Seven Seats

Until now, the four generations of CR-Vs could only accommodate 5 passengers, with the rear space fit only for luggage. But now, the fifth-generation CR-V has three rows of seating and can seat seven passengers. All the three rows of the Honda CR-V can be folded to make more room for luggage. The third row can be folded in a 50:50 split, the second row in a 60:40 split, and the co-passenger seat can be inclined all the way down to accommodate longer luggage. The all-new CR-V is also longer, wider and about the same height as the current one.

2. 1.6-litre Diesel Mill With Two-Stage Turbo

The all-new Honda CR-V is offered in Thailand with a 1.6-litre diesel engine. Coupled to this engine is a two-stage turbocharger which helps reduce turbo lag and increase the power band. This engine has an output of 160PS of power at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 350Nm at 2,000 rpm. Also, mated to this engine is a nine-speed automatic transmission, but we will get to that later. The diesel engine-transmission combination has a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 18.9 kmpl (Thailand market). The other engine in the lineup is a 2.4-litre petrol which makes 190PS/226Nm and is mated to a CVT automatic transmission.

3. 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

Mated to the diesel transmission (mentioned above) is a Shift by Wire nine-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is tuned to offer good acceleration and high fuel efficiency. Inside the cabin, this transmission lags a gearshift lever and instead you get buttons to choose the gear you want to be in. Though Honda has redone the cabin, they have retained the dashboard-mounted gear shifter to keep the CR-V feel alive.

4. Diesel 4 Wheel Drive

The Honda CR-V is offered in both 2WD and 4WD in the Thailand market. Both of these are available with both the petrol and the diesel engine options. This could work in the CR-V's favour in the country as its primary rival, the Tucson, is only available with the 2WD drivetrain. That said, Hyundai is contemplating on bring the Tucson 4WD as well.

5. Price

In Thailand, Honda has priced the CR-V at Rs 32.2 lakh (converted from Thai Bhat) for the diesel 4WD and Rs 29.4 lakh for the diesel 2WD. The petrol-powered CR-V is priced equivalent to the 2WD diesel and the 2WD petrol costs Rs 26.5 lakh. In India, we expect to see similar pricing, just a little lower. Yes, these prices do seem a little higher, especially considering that the current CR-V is priced between Rs 22.6 lakh and Rs 26.8 lakh in Delhi without taxes. But, with the fifth-generation CR-V, you will get all the above mentioned additions.

Also, in term of features, the 2017 CR-V has a new soft-touch instrument panel, a digital central instrument cluster which is borrowed from the current-gen Civic, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which runs Honda's satellite-linked navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The crossover gets a lot of convenience features as well like a remote engine start, dual-zone climate controls, electric parking brake, heated side mirrors, front passenger seats with four-way power adjustment, rear USB charging ports and driver's seat with eight-way power adjustment and four-way power lumbar support along with heated front seats. When you consider all these features and the fact that it has 7-row seating, the price for the all-new CR-V might just be justified. But, the final word in this debate will be once we get to drive it. Stay tuned.

Source: ZigWheels.com