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Honda Ireland launches updated Civic and CR-V models

Today I attended the Honda Ireland launch of the upgraded Civic and CR-V models. Information from...
Newstalk
Newstalk

16.45 27 Feb 2015


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Honda Ireland launches updated...

Honda Ireland launches updated Civic and CR-V models

Newstalk
Newstalk

16.45 27 Feb 2015


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Today I attended the Honda Ireland launch of the upgraded Civic and CR-V models. Information from the manufacturer tells us that the main updates on these models are directed primarily at technology, safety systems and the 1.6 i-DTEC CR-V engine. Other changes include minor style and interior upgrades. As of yet I have not had a chance to fully test drive these models, so for the moment here are the details offered to us today.

Exterior style changes:

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Style changes to the 2015 model CR-V have been subtle enough. The front holds new bumpers with a chrome fog light garnish and new headlights integrating wraparound daytime running lights. A new grille adds a slightly more imposing look to this SUV. The back of the vehicle now features LED tail lights and some chrome trim. The CR-V also comes with new 17” and 18” alloy wheels.

The front and rear of the updated Civic also sees some minor but significant changes. A larger spoiler sits at the rear which we’re told improves aerodynamics. The back also hosts a new bumper with a larger rear diffuser. Like the CR-V, the Civic has new bumpers which follow the styling of the Type R Concept. A new and larger grille is present along with larger headlights and integrated LED daytime running lights.

The Civic also offers a new edition through the Civic Si. This is the sportiest model on show today and it is there to “bridge the gap” to the Civic Type R. It comes with 17” alloy wheels with a black gloss finish, a lower mesh grille, privacy glass as well a body colour rear spoiler and more.

Inside:

The interior of both models now host some higher quality materials and seat upholsteries. The most notable change on the interiors of these models is the infotainment system – Honda Connect. Honda Connect offers connectivity on the road through a 7” touchscreen display. The system offers a cd player and radio (with DAB) as well as internet access, pre-installed apps (like AHA – which can read your Facebook and Twitter feeds to you as well as offering internet radio).

Civic Interior

You can use your smartphone for Wi-Fi tethering, which means whenever your phone is in 3G or 4G access you should be able to access the internet. I sampled some of this today, and although I have seen similar before I do have to say that it seems easier to use than some other systems I’ve tried.

CR-V interior

Honda Connect is as standard on the Civic Sport, Si and Executive models; in the CR-V it is as standard with ES, ES Sport and EX grades.

Safety:

A lot of focus on both models is on safety features. What stands out most is the fact that the very intelligent City-Brake Active System is as standard on all CR-V and Civic models. This is designed to stop low speed accidents. This system scans the road ahead and if it senses imminent risk it automatically stops the vehicle. This system operates at speeds up-to 32km/h and prior to stopping the vehicle it offers visual and audible warnings to the driver.

In the CR-V you will find Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC), which does impress. Adaptive cruise control slows your vehicle down automatically if the car in front slows down. What’s different with the i-ACC system is that it monitors all lanes in front of your vehicle and can sense when other vehicles are going to change lane. If it foresees that a car is about to change lane it slows your vehicle down taking the other lanes into consideration (see video below).

Engines:

The biggest change in engines comes in the CR-V. The manufacturer is replacing the 2.2 litre i-DTEC with a new 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine. This new engine dramatically reduces the entry level pricing of this vehicle by up to €4,680 (depending on what trim and transmission you opt for). It also offers 10hp more in terms of power (now 160hp) and dramatically drops CO2 emissions.

The Civic is available with three engines (1.4 i-VTEC, 1.6 i-DTEC and 1.8 i-VTEC) while the CR-V comes with one (i-DTEC).

Trim and Price:

Both cars are available with manual or automatic transmissions and both have 4 different trim levels. In the Civic you can opt for Comfort, Sport, Si and Executive. Starting price is €21,895 for the 1.4 i-VTEC with Comfort trim and the prices rises as far as €29,395 for the Executive trim.

With the CR-V customers can opt for SE, ES, ES Sport and EX. The lowest level SE starts from €31,995 and that price stretches to €46,995 for the AWD (all-wheel drive) EX with an automatic transmission (not available until June 2015).


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