Honda Motors India Limited appears to be busy in gearing itself up for the launch of the fourth generation CR-V during 2013. This model was launched in the international markets during 2011. Recently the vehicle was spotted road testing in different parts of India. Certain styling bits such as X-mas tree style tail lights have been carried forward from the previous variant, but the interiors seem to have been modified.
Two petrol and two diesel engine variants are expected to power the new CR-V. Petrol variants include a 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine (153bhp power and 190Nm torque) and a 2.4 litre i-VTEC (187bhp power and 222Nm torque). Diesel motors would produce 120bhp, 300 Nm and 148 bhp, 350 Nm from a 1.6 litre iDTEC and a 2.2 litre engine, respectively. The petrol gets certain enhancements such as better compression, for a higher fuel economy. Transmission available in these vehicles would either be 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic.
The new CR-V is expected to be available at a price of Rs. 28 lakhs. It may be launched as early as February 2013, as per auto experts. The CR-V had been a best seller among SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and with the launch of a diesel version, the vehicle will become even more competitive.
After many years of manufacturing only petrol vehicles for India, Honda finally realized that it had to produce diesel engines to remain in the competition. Following this, a new 1.5 litre engine was revealed, which would power Honda's entry level sedan, the Amaze during 2013. The Amaze is a sedan version of Honda's hatchback vehicle, the Brio.
