Honda CR-V 2015 South Africa
New bumper grille, lights?
The Honda CR-V has been updated in South Africa for 2015. Updates include improvements to the exterior and standard equipment while model line-up closer reflects customer preference. We’re told the Honda CR-V cuts a bolder and more progressive appearance with changes located around the grille with a larger meshed aperture, gloss black horizontal spar and chrome elements. Longer HID headlights, pronounced scuff plate (front and rear) and redesigned fog housings differentiate it. Changes to the front and rear bumpers result in a wider and longer shape.
What’s significant?
At long last Honda has brought out a 7-inch touchscreen which is available on all models except entry-level Comfort. The pinch, swipe and tap interface allows more pairing options and two colour schemes – the one pictured is still the woeful purple. The touchscreen required a complete redesign of the dashboard with enhanced tactile feel and materials as well as chrome detail.
The Honda CR-V sees improvements made to the handling via new bushes, dampers and suspension geometry. Honda then deemed it necessary to increase front and rear track width, alter camber settings and increase the steering ratio by 8 per cent for easier manoeuvrability. NVH has been reduced through the use of thicker door seals, thicker carpets and lower front end drag. Colours called Copper Sunset Pearl and Brilliant Sporty Metallic increase the palette to eight.
Early verdict
The fourth generation Honda CR-V has already amassed 4700 units since going on sale in November 2012 and in an era where market loyalty is not rated high, Honda have bucked the trend by retaining 87 per cent of CR-V owners. That’s got to count for something. We’re surprised the changes are this comprehensive…we can’t remember faulting the chassis or the NVH levels but would simply buy it based solely on the promise of a better touchscreen system.
