Honda Europe will unveil its CR-V Hybrid ‘prototype’ at the 2017 Frankfurt show next month, previewing its first electrified SUV for this region.
The car also previews the upcoming European specification CR-V model range – production began in November 2016 and the line is now built in several US plants and on sale there as well as Asia Pacific markets with production in various locations including Thailand.
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This is also the redesigned CR-V’s European motor show debut.
It looks similar to the outgoing model, which was built in England for Europe, but is wider, taller and longer, restyled and with a wider stance through the broader, wheel arches.
A-pillars are thinner to increase shoulder and wheels and tyres are larger.
The CR-V hybrid will also introduce Honda’s latest two-motor i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid system to Europe. It comprises an electric propulsion motor, a two litre, i-VTEC, I4, Atkinson cycle petrol engine for electrical energy generation and propulsion, and a separate electric generator motor. The hybrid system does not need a conventional transmission and instead has a single fixed-gear ratio that creates a direct connection between moving components, enabling a smooth transfer of torque within the system.
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By GlobalDataThe i-MMD system determines how to use fuel and electrical energy in the most efficient way, meaning there is no requirement on the driver to adjust between the three driving modes; EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.
In EV Drive, the propulsion motor draws its power solely from the batteries, for zero emissions driving. In Hybrid Drive, the petrol engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn delivers power to the electric propulsion motor. In this mode, excess power from the petrol engine is diverted back via the generator motor to recharge the battery pack. In Engine Drive, the wheels are directly driven by the petrol engine, with an ‘on-demand’ peak power ‘boost’ available from the electric propulsion motor.
In most urban driving situations, the vehicle will move between Hybrid Drive and EV Drive for optimum efficiency. Engine Drive is engaged as needed for brisk acceleration and for efficient highway driving.
The 2018 CR-V will also be offered with the automaker’s new 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine with six-speed manual or continuously variable CVT transmission. Unlike the outgoing line (and as in Australia now) a diesel will no longer be available in Europe.
The European CR-V will be launched in 2018, now sourced from Japan. Initially, Honda had intended to ship the car from Canada to Europe but changed plans in February 2016.
