Honda upgrades CR-V soft-roader for 2015

Just in time for the end of 2014, Honda have unveiled a range of updates for the CR-V—with the new model being labelled Series II. At this point, the Thailand-built petrol models exclusively benefit from these upgrades; British-made diesel CR-Vs have to wait a little longer.

Headlining the changes is an expansion of the CR-V’s front-wheel-drive range. In previous years, the 2WD cars were limited to lower-end trims: if you wanted to access more luxurious grades, you needed to step up an all-paw model—for 2015, this will no longer be the case. Instead, opting for 4WD will add $3,000 to the price of a front-wheel-drive car.

The conventionally-variable automatic that’s new to the American market doesn’t come here, with the five-speed automatic, outclassed by more modern ‘boxes in the CR-V’s competitors, soldiers on.

There is now just one grade exclusive to the 4WD model: the range-topping VTi-L ADAS ($45,790), which features advanced safety technologies such as autonomous emergency braking and active cruise control.

Otherwise, the three standard trims can be had in either 2WD or 4WD. The base VTi ($29,490 / $32,790) gains the touchscreen Display Audio system that we’ve seen in the City and Civic small cars, as well as a reversing camera upgrade.

The mid-tier VTi-S ($33,290 / $36,290) adds proximity entry and push-button start, plus the LaneWatch system from the Accord that projects, on the touchscreen, a clear view of the left blind spot when the left indicator is activated. This is a unique feature we haven’t seen replicated by other manufacturers.

The VTi-L ($39,290 / $42,290) maintains its premium placement, featuring standard leather trim and inbuilt satellite navigation—eschewing the cord-frenzied smartphone satellite navigation setup of the Odyssey.

All models benefit from aesthetic upgrades, including the addition of the ubiquitous daytime running lights. New bumpers and a revised grille also feature, as does the addition of a new hue, ‘Brilliant Sporty Blue’ (see the image at the top of this post).

The 2015 Honda CR-V Range (Petrol)

Front-wheel-drive
VTi manual — $27,490
VTi automatic — $29,490
VTi-S automatic — $33,290
VTi-L automatic — $39,290

All-wheel-drive
VTi automatic — $32,790
VTi-S automatic — $36,290
VTi-L automatic — $42,290
VTi-L ADAS automatic — $45,790

Diesel updates will be announced at a later date.