The Honda CR-V is a highly-versatile four-door entry crossover SUV with a roomy 5-passenger interior, sedan-like handling and comfort, and a reputation for offering the highest levels of standard safety features in the segment. The all-new 2007 Honda CR-V adds a dynamic sense of style and refinement, bridging the space between sport and utility better than any CR-V yet - while adding recently-developed collision compatibility safety enhancements like Honda's exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) Body Structure.
As a crossover SUV, the foundation of the CR-V starts with unit-body construction for sedan-like on-road performance, maximized interior packaging, optimized safety construction and good fuel economy for an SUV. Since unit-body construction allows for interior space to be maximized, the CR-V's packaging provides generous 5-passenger interior space and superior cargo functionality relative to traditional SUV designs that are inherently less space-efficient.
The CR-V's new direction goes beyond evolution and results in more style in a smarter and more sophisticated package. A dynamic and emotional forward cabin blends the familiar CR-V identity into a sculpted lower body with modular and protective lower body styling. A new double grille and a side profile with an arched window shape accent the CR-V's distinctive and upscale presence. Adding to the clean lines, the spare tire now resides under the rear floor as opposed to the exterior of the tailgate; benefiting aesthetics, visibility and garage-ability.
Through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of our cars and trucks, regardless of size or price, as well as increased compatibility with other vehicles as part of the Safety for Everyone initiative.
Consistent with Safety for Everyone, Honda provides the segment's highest levels of standard safety equipment in every CR-V regardless of trim level. The 2007 CR-V integrates Honda's most advanced safety technology with the revolutionary ACE Body Structure and airbags in every model and trim level. The ACE Body Structure enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing front frame structures that provide an increased opportunity for two vehicles to properly connect during a collision, including larger and smaller vehicles with differing bumper heights. Unique in the automotive industry, the ACE Body Structure elevates real-world safety to a new level by better utilizing the crumple zone and dispersing energy away from the passenger area through more load-bearing channels.
Inside, the CR-V incorporates optional side curtain airbags and front side airbags, along with active head restraints that are designed to reduce the chance of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Additional standard safety features include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), anti-lock brakes (ABS), front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also new for the 2007 CR-V.
The 2007 CR-V has an entirely new body design. The exterior width has increased by 1.4 inches to 71.6 inches while the body length has decreased by 3.1 inches (due mostly to the relocation of the spare tire from the rear bumper to underneath the rear cargo area). The length of the vehicle minus the spare tire remains nearly the same.
The increased body width allows the seats to be wider and more supportive, and a newly-designed retractable center tray table not only provides the prerequisite beverage holders and sub-tray, but models also contain an additional 12V power outlet and auxiliary audio jack. CR-V models outfitted with a leather interior provide a spacious multi-function center console that can accommodate up to 24 compact discs.
On higher models, a dual-deck cargo shelf provides additional storage options in the cargo area, while providing enough clearance underneath for grocery bags or items such as a folded stroller. Key interior dimensions remain similar to the generous proportions of the 2006 model.
For 2007, all audio systems are more powerful with at least 160 watts. Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on all trim levels, allowing for portable music device playback through the CR-V's speakers. The base trim level has a four-speaker 160-watt audio system with a single-disc CD player. All CR-V audio systems have MP3/WMA CD playback capability and Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC) that automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed.
The CR-V is powered by Honda's 2.4-litre, Dual-Over Head Cam, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that offers refined and responsive performance with good fuel economy and low emissions (CARB LEV II ULEV). A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment on all CR-Vs, and a traction-enhancing Real Time 4WD system is available.
The engine produces 166 horsepower, a 10-horsepower increase and a broader torque curve compared to the 2006 CR-V. The power upgrade is attributable to a slight increase in compression ratio and enhanced valvetrain, intake and exhaust tuning. From a refinement standpoint, the Drive-by-Wire (DBW) throttle control works closely with the transmission for extremely smooth shift points and intuitive gear holding on hilly roads.
Overall, the CR-V four-wheel drive system is designed to best match the way the majority of driving situations that most SUV's realistically encounter. The fully automatic Real Time 4WD system enhances the CR-V's all-weather capabilities when driving in rain, snow, dirt roads and sandy conditions - without the significant weight, fuel economy and handling performance drawbacks of a conventional four-wheel-drive system. For 2007, enhancements have been made to the system for improved torque transfer to the rear wheels - making the CR-V even better in rain, snow and sand.
