Honda Aus expands CR-V line-up

HONDA Australia has bolstered the line-up of its long-serving CR-V, with specced-up and blacked-out special-edition variants set to hit local showrooms in a matter of weeks.

Only a month-or-so ago, Honda teased images of the “more rugged and sophisticated” next-gen CR-V, which is expected to be unveiled later this year.

In meantime, the special edition current-gen CR-Vs are already available for pre-order – making the Honda an attractive option given Australia’s lengthy vehicle-delivery times. 

The Black Edition, perhaps the most visually appealing of the two new special editions – or perhaps the entire CR-V range – is essentially a blacked-out version of the VTi variant. 

Various exterior adornments are incorporated in the Black Edition, including gloss black alloy wheels, smoked headlights, piano-black bumper finishes and a few other elements.

Inside, Black Edition logos feature on the front seats, while the black roof liner is matched with various piano black trim pieces, such as on the steering wheel and the door handles. 

Many of the variant’s additional features (such as the LED headlights, leather trim and 18-inch alloys) usually feature on the higher-spec VTi X, VTi L AWD, VTi L7 or VTi LX AWD. 

With a drive-away price of $44,600, the Black Edition slots in above the VTi X ($41,700) and below the VTi AWD ($46,000), but offers arguably the strongest visual appeal in the range. 

“The Black Edition is stylish and packed with premium equipment and will appeal to customers who love the impressive space and versatility of CR-V, whilst standing out from the crowd at the same time,” said Honda Australia’s chief operating officer, Stephen Collins.

The other special-edition option is the VTi 7 +Luxe, which is essentially a fancier VTi 7 aimed at seven-seater family SUV buyers who want a little more… you guessed it, luxury.

Compared with a standard VTi 7, the +Luxe has leather-appointed seat trim, heated front seats, and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory function.

The VTi 7 +Luxe gains higher-spec features that are usually reserved for VTi L AWD and higher variants, but, with a drive-away price of $43,700, it’s a fair chunk of change cheaper. 

“The VTi 7 +Luxe is one of the most affordable leather trim offerings in the Medium SUV segment and will appeal to family buyers who want seven-seat capacity with added luxury features,” said Mr Collins.

Both special editions are powered by the 140kW/240Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that propels most CR-V variants, as well as all the same ‘Honda SENSING’ safety tech.

“The CR-V continues to be a popular choice for private buyers in the Medium SUV segment, offering a broad range of equipment and trim levels to cater to the specific needs of customers, across both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, and with five-seat and seven-seat layouts,” said Mr Collins.

“The two new special editions raise the level of style and sophistication on offer in the CR-V range even further, with a focus on design elements and luxury features, while still delivering outstanding value for money to customers in the market for a new SUV.”