More powerful CR-V eyes SUV market

More powerful CR-V eyes SUV market

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Tough competition in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) market has
led Japanese automaker PT Honda Prospect Motor to launch a new
variant of its Honda CR-V in a heated competition with Nissan X-
Trail.

PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) launched last Thursday the Honda
CR-V powered by a 2,354 cc engine. A week earlier PT HPM
introduced the Honda Odyssey.

The inline four-cylinder, 16-valve, double overhead camshaft
(DOHC) engine with intelligence variable valve timing and lift
electronic control (i-VTEC) technology produces 160 horsepower
(hp) at 6,000 revolution per minute (rpm), and 220 Newton meter
(Nm) of torque at 3,600 rpm.

It uses five-speed automatic transmission with grade logic
control (GLC)

Earlier Honda CR-V variants come with a capacity of 1,998 cc
and are offered in four-speed automatic and five-speed manual
transmissions.

The Nissan X-Trail is powered by a 2,500 cc engine and both of
its variants uses manual transmission.

Last year, 6,701 Honda CR-Vs were sold, a decrease from the
2003 figure of 10,130 units. In contrast, the Nissan X-Trail
enjoyed an increase in sales to 7,130 units this year.

Nissan has another SUV, the Nissan Terrano, which sold 2,762
units last year.

Other competitors are the Ford Escape, KIA Sportage II
(launched earlier in January), Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe
and the Suzuki Grand Escudo, to name a few. In the premium
segment there is the BMW X3.

Enough with the competition; let's take a look at the new
Honda CR-V.

Most car enthusiasts may feel disappointed to see that there
are no major changes from the previous Honda CR-V model.

Well, at least it has new headlights, rear lights, fog lamp
and front grille.

"You may not find any differences in the exterior but there
are plenty in the interior. Especially inside the Honda CR-V with
a 2,400 cc engine," PT HPM sales and marketing general manager
Jonfis Fandy said.

The company has a drive by wire (DBW) feature that uses
electronic throttle control (ETC) to connect the accelerator with
the engine, instead of a mechanical mechanism.

This feature was first used by Honda's Formula One and
Championship Auto Racing Team (CART) racing cars. It promises
cleaner emissions and smoother acceleration.

But perhaps the most striking feature is the DVD player with
seven-inch screen, which is only provided for the Honda CR-V
2,400 cc.

Honda CR-V's active safety features include anti-lock braking
system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake
assist (BA). As for the braking system, it comes with ventilated
discs for front tires and discs and drums for rear tires.

For passive safety, the SUV is equipped with dual supplemental
restraining system (SRS) air bags for driver and front passenger,
and three-point emergency locking retractor (ELR) seat belts with
load limiter and pretensioner in all seats; except for the
center, rear seat passenger, who gets a two-point ELR seat belt.

Honda CR-V comes with keyless entry which integrates an alarm,
ultrasonic sensor and immobilizer for security.

The Honda CR-V 2,400 cc is offered at Rp 268 million
(US$29,500) while the Honda CR-V 2,000 cc automatic is priced at
Rp 254 million and the CR-V 2,000 cc manual at Rp 242 million.

There are five color options: nighthawk black pearl, opal
beige, redrock pearl, satin silver metallic and silverstone
metallic.

When asked whether PT HPM would provide a 4x4 version of the
Honda CR-V, president director Kenji Otaka said it would depend
on demand.

"Honda has the 4x4 technology so we can offer it here as long
as there is enough demand. Otherwise, it will be a very expensive
venture," he told The Jakarta Post.

Jonfis said most CR-V customers lived in big cities and did
not really need 4x4 capability, which is usually associated with
rough or off-road conditions.

Actually, 4x4 capability does not necessarily relate to off-
road use, as it gives better traction and cornering ability at
high speed.

That's why German automaker Audi provides its Quieter
technology to its saloons, including its flagship Audi A8.

And, by the way, the Nissan X-Trail also offers a 4x4 version.