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.