Honda CR-V 2010 gets new face & more power

The 2010 Honda CR-V compact crossover 4×4 is receiving upgrades to the exterior and interior, new features, better fuel economy, and more power. The U.S. market is the first one to get the new model.

Exterior styling changes include a freshened front fascia with a new grille and bumper design with optional foglights, a re-sculpted bonnet, and a new rear bumper shape, with new 17-inch wheel designs.

Interior improvements include Bluetooth, navigation system, auto on/off headlights and wider front-seat armrests on all models, along with other trim updates. Keep in mind though that these are specs for the U.S. model, and the yet-to-be-announced GCC version will get fewer features.

Upgrades to the five-seater Honda CR-V’s 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine improve power output to 180 hp at 6800 rpm, which is a 14 hp increase. Peak torque is now 218 Nm at 4400 rpm. Fuel economy has also improved slightly.

Standard safety equipment, at least on the U.S. version, includes electronic stability control, front and side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, active front seat head restraints, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Expect the new model to debut in the UAE by the end of 2009. To look at current Dubai and Abu Dhabi showroom prices, visit the Honda CR-V buyer guide.