Honda launche 3rd generation CRV

Japanese car makes Honda Motors recently launched its newest line of sports utility vehicle (SUV), the third generation Honda CRV.

During Friday night’s launch at The Fort, Honda Cars Philippines president and general manager Takashi Sekiguchi said the new CRV is expected to outperform the older model in terms of sales.

In 2006, Honda Philippines was able to sell 180 units of CRV per month. For the new model, Sekiguchi said they expect to sell 250 SUVs each month.

"So many people are waiting for this. We expect our market share to grow because of this," Sekiguchi told reporters. According to him, Honda is currently enjoying a 12-percent market share of the total SUV segment.

"The new CRV defines cutting edge styling, excellent performance; thus making it the premium crossover SUV," Sekiguchi noted.

Kenichi Okhawara, Assistant Large Project Leader of the all new CRV said the third generation’s most improved point is its sedan-like driving character given its excellent stability and handling.

"We achieved this goal by three factors: lower center of gravity, more rigid body structure and refined dynamic performance," he explained. The CRV has a 2.0L i-VTEC for good balance of performance and enhanced fuel economy, a feature that will be appreciated by city drivers.

Since its introduction in 1997 in the country, the first generation CRV has become a breakthrough and the CRV has created its own market.

In 2002, the second generation CRV has packaged comfort and utility. The third generation CRV meanwhile offers a better sedan-like comfort and performance, a tougher and stylish look, excellent safety features and fuel efficiency benefits.

Honda, with its "one class above SUV concept," has given the new CRV an upscale design, and a double layer grille. The forward cabin design improves the aerodynamics and gives a wider view of the road. The CRV has projector type headlights, inducing better illumination and more focused projection of the light.

The window graphic design outlines a more dynamic and curvy window. A 17" alloy wheel was designed for better traction and stance on the road.

The three versions of the all-new CR-V are already available with the introductory price of P1.19 million for the 2.0 liter manual transmission two wheel drive; P1.25 million for the 2.0 liter automatic two wheel drive and P1.45 million for the 2.4 liter automatic four wheel drive.