Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI) entered the local electric vehicle arena anew with the sixth-generation CR-V.

The sport utility vehicle is the third “green” model that has joined the Japanese automaker’s roster in the country — the first two being the CR-Z and the Legend.

We all know that the first two models’ flames fizzled out immediately shortly after being introduced, will HCPI have a more successful run in the EV race with a more known nameplate carrying its baton?

Here’s what we found out with the Honda CR-V RS E:HEV.

Dimension

The all-new Honda CR-V RS E:HEV is 4,691 millimeters (mm) long, 1,866 mm wide, and 1,681 mm tall, which has a 2,701-mm wheelbase and 198-mm ground clearance.

 

In terms of leg room, the hybrid vehicle offers basically the same as the VX Turbo CVT.

Additionally, the five-seater model offers better luggage space than the mid-range and base variants as the Honda CR-V RS E:HEV’s cargo capacity can grow from 581 liters to 1,064 liters when the middle row is folded.

Drivers or passengers who are a little over six feet may find the cabin space very roomy.

Exterior

While I have my nod on the look of its immediate predecessor, the newest version was able to make it look even better.

Comprising the vehicle’s front fascia are the auto-leveling, full LED illumination system, (headlamps, turn signals, fog lamps), the huge gloss black grille that have gaping vents as well as the chiseled lines on the bumper area.

To its side are the sharp bold body lines alongside the matching aluminum alloy wheels and side mirrors that are both painted gloss black.

While the piano black portion looks very pleasing, it could be prone to hairline scratches.

At the rear of the vehicle are L-shaped combination lamps, which looked very similar to the previous-generation offering. The hind’s look might be a little flat, but it surely gives the car a slenderer look.

The rear spoiler with third brake lamp and the skid plate that holds the two tailpipes give the SUV an athletic vibe.

Overall, the all-new Honda CR-V RS E:HEV sports a mature look. Although it has grown longer and wider, its overall silhouette seems to have slimmed down, thanks to the ample supply of curves and edges — warranting a commanding presence on the road.

Interior

Inside, the vehicle sports a neat-but-not-bare layout.

It shares the same arrangement as with the Honda Civic, which is highly-ergonomic and driver-centric.

In front of the steering wheel with neatly-arranged buttons and switches is the 10.2-inch digital cluster. To keep one’s eyes on the road, a head-up display is fitted at the dashboard.

To its side is the nine-inch infotainment with Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity that is mated to a 12-speaker Bose sound system.  

Welcoming all occupants are the plush black leather seats with red stitching that has four-way lumbar support for the driver. Since the unit was the top-of-the-line version, we were expecting the vehicle to have the eight-way power adjusted version (made available on the two lover variations).

Powertrain

The Honda CR-V RS E:HEV comes with a double overhead cam, four-cylinder valve timing electronically controlled two-liter engine with dual electric motors.

On paper, the fuel-powered mill can dish out nearly 146 horses (hp) and 183 Newton-meters (Nm) of pulling power while the battery-run mill can deliver a little over 184 hp and 335 Nm.

On the road, the vehicle provided the ample oomph to overtake.

 

Unlike its two options, the vehicle — available only in the front-wheel-drive option — has three drive modes (econ, normal, and sport).

The engine is mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission and the electric motors, to a lithium-ion battery pack.

After being driven for more than 600 kilometers of mainly highways and expressways, the tested vehicle, which carried a full load of five individuals, registered a 20 kilometers-per-liter (kpl) consumption.

To note, the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi GLS that we have tested earlier had an 18.8-kpl reading.

Aside from that, we noticed that the hybrid mill disengages when you floor the vehicle even if it has enough juice on its vehicle. Sudden jumps when jostling for position during traffic still uses the electric mill — an advantage against its fuel-powered vehicles in the same category.

Features

Honda has been known for providing comfort and convenience and it still holds true with the CR-V RS E:HEV.

All variants come with a wireless charging dock, charging ports all around and are Honda Connect-ready.

In addition, it comes with a myriad of Honda Sensing Technology like the adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high beam, adaptive driving beam, and lead car departure notification.

Further, the vehicles have agile handling assist, driver attention monitor, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, hill descent control, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, lanewatch, walk-away auto lock and auto door lock/unlock features.

Pros and cons

The Honda CR-V RS E:HEV should definitely be a top-of-mind choice for car buyers.  Its engine is peppy and up for the times (as car buyers are slowly swinging towards electrified mobility); it immediately grabs attention; and is packed with sleek features.

However, what will slow down customers is the price point. Sure, it has what you need, but let’s face it, P2.59 million is still hard to shell out these days. Should they find a way to cut down the price tag, sales numbers will surely rise.

The Honda CR-V RS E:HEV is packaged with an eight-year or 200,000-kilometer battery warranty (whichever comes first), and Honda Connect subscription for three years and the standard three-year or 100,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV

Also read:

Hybrid or gas: Which Honda CR-V is for you?

First-class efficiency: Honda CR-V

The pros and cons of the all-new Honda CR-V