Few automotive technologies are poised to improve the landscape of mobility as electrification. Electric and hybrid vehicles continue to increase their market share globally as people start to appreciate the value these new drivetrains bring to the market. Ever the innovator, Honda offers an experience that’s a cut above the conventional hybrid experience.
The All-New Honda CR-V RS e:HEV, with the brand’s first-ever full-hybrid system, showcases many of Honda’s industry-leading innovations. This latest model blends safety, comfort, and unparalleled convenience with a hybrid drivetrain that sets new standards in automotive engineering.
Honda SENSING: Safety for everyone
One of the highlight features on all the variants of the All-new Honda CR-V, including the hybrid RS e:HEV, is Honda SENSING technology.
Honda SENSING is actually a suite of functions that work together towards Honda’s global safety concept of “safety for everyone,” and a collision-free society where all road users can get to their destinations safely, and without incident.
The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) is one of the more impressive features within Honda’s SENSING technology. CMBS takes information from the camera and radar to detect possible collisions. Should one be detected, the system will issue a visual and audible warning. If a collision remains imminent, the vehicle assists the driver by applying the brakes appropriately. This feature not only warns the driver, but actively works to prevent or minimize impact.
Next up, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF) uses a combination of a front-facing camera and radar to perceive the vehicle in front, as well as your distance to it. Unlike traditional cruise control that simply maintains a given speed, this system accelerates and brakes to keep the same distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, greatly reducing fatigue on long stretches of faster-moving traffic.
Low-Speed Follow on the other hand is active in stop-and-go traffic, assisting the driver by taking on some of the processing load that happens in slow-moving traffic like what one would normally encounter in the city.
The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps the vehicle maintain its position in the middle of the lane when on the highway. Using the information from the front-facing camera, the system detects when the vehicle moves outside of the optimal position in the middle of the lane, alerts the driver, and gently assists in bringing the vehicle back into the center of the lane.
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) work hand-in-hand by taking note of lane boundaries, and give the driver visual and tactile warnings to alert them that they are approaching the edge of the lane, or are about to cross into the unpaved section of the road. The system also gently corrects the steering in order to direct the vehicle back into the proper lane position.
Auto High Beam optimizes visibility by activating the high beams when the system detects that there are no oncoming vehicles, and lowers deactivates the high beams appropriately to avoid dazzling other road users. The RS e:HEV variant of the CR-V also has the Adaptive Driving Beam: an intelligent LED lighting system that delivers excellent visibility without blinding the vehicles in front.
Finally, Lead Car Departure Notification alerts the driver once the car in front of them has started to move from a standstill.
Honda CONNECT: The future of automotive connectivity
Honda CONNECT takes in-car connected services to new heights, offering features that set the All-New Honda CR-V apart from the rest in its class. Honda CONNECT works in conjunction with the user’s phone through a connected app to add safety, security, and convenience to the driving experience.
Safety features included in the Honda CONNECT suite include Automatic Collision Detection that autonomously detects when a collision occurs, and immediately calls for help for a timely response to the emergency. Security Alarm Detection sends an alert to the user’s smartphone should the vehicle’s alarm be triggered, and Speed Alert sends notifications to the user’s phone when the vehicle reaches certain speeds.
Honda CONNECT also delivers new security features. Find My Car pins your vehicle’s location on a map on your smartphone so you can avoid losing your car in a large parking lot, or new neighborhood. Geofencing sends an alert should the vehicle stray outside a set area, and Emergency Calls gives the user fast access to emergency contacts within the Honda CONNECT app.
Finally, Honda CONNECT gives features that make owning any variant of the All-New Honda CR-V much more convenient. Car Status doubles as both a system to keep the user informed of any concerns that need to be addressed, and provides diagnostic support when needed. Remote Vehicle Controls gives the app the ability to start or stop the vehicle remotely, access to climate control, remote lock control, and remote access to the lights.
This system also gives service reminders, and can even assist with booking an appointment with an official Honda service center. You even get access to social networking sites to share your drives with your friends and followers, and get Honda-specific news and alerts. Select Honda CONNECT features are also available in other Honda vehicles.
The Honda CR-V RS e:HEV comes with a free three-year subscription to the Honda CONNECT service.
The perfect blend of performance and fuel efficiency
At the heart of the All-New Honda CR-V RS e:HEV is the remarkable full-hybrid drivetrain that delivers the best of both ICE and electric drivetrains.
The All-New Honda CR-V has three dive modes depending on driving needs. From a stop and when in city driving conditions, the vehicle runs on electric power, for instant torque, and zero fuel consumption. This electric system also kicks in during deceleration to recharge the batteries, and help slow down.
When greater acceleration is required, as well as in high-speed cruising, the 2.0-Liter Direct Injection Turbo i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine kicks in, with an impressive 148PS of power, and 183Nm of torque, and recharging the power cells as needed. This combination of electric and internal combustion allows the e:HEV variant of the Honda CR-V to cover up to an amazing 29.4km per liter of fuel. The two systems work in perfect unison, giving the driver and passengers a smooth, quiet, seamless ride, regardless of the driving conditions.
The All-New Honda CR-V e:HEV also comes with different driving modes to suit different driving scenarios allowing the driver to tailor the driving experience to best suit the conditions they face.
Standing behind their engineering is Honda’s 8-year or 200,000 km battery warranty for added peace of mind and hassle-free ownership.
The All-New Honda CR-V received five stars in the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program, thanks both to the Honda Sensing features, and excellent performance in occupant protection during impacts.
Sporty and comfortable interior
The interior of the All-New Honda CR-V reflects the same elegance of the exterior. A larger cabin, with repositioned windows increase the feeling of space and make even longer journeys comfortable. Extremely roomy two-row seating and up to 1064 liters of cargo space mean plenty of room for the whole family, plus all the gear and luggage space you’ll need to make all your trips memorable.
A huge 9-inch touch screen puts entertainment functions front and center, and Bluetooth call, and audio streaming ensure you’re always connected even on the go. Paired with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB input, and a stellar Bose 12-speaker audio system with active noise control, the CR-V has all your entertainment needs covered.
The driver also has a huge 10.2-inch full digital instrument cluster to stay on top of all the pertinent driving information in a clear and easy-to-see layout.
Power adjustable seats with memory seat function for the driver and front passenger, and two-zone climate controls ensure all-day comfort for even the longest road trips. There’s even a new wireless charger to ensure that all your devices can stay topped up as you make your way to your destination.
The Honda CR-V RS e:HEV variant also comes with the new Honda Smart Key Card entry system for keyless access, an impressive heads-up display for vehicle information at a quick glance, and gorgeous black leather seats with red stitching for a sporty, elegant look.
The All-New Honda CR-V RS e:HEV is more than just a vehicle—it’s an embodiment of Honda’s commitment to innovation, performance, and safety. With advanced driver aids, a groundbreaking hybrid drivetrain, gorgeous looks, and creature comforts rivaling the best vehicles in its class, it’s the perfect companion for any journey.
Along with the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV, which is available for PHP2,590,000, the CR-V is also available in a 1.5 VX Turbo AWD for PHP2,280,000 and a 1.5 V Turbo CVT for PHP2,100,000.
All variants are available in Platinum Pearl White (for an additional PHP20,000), Canyon River Blue Metallic, and Meteoroid Grey Metallic.
The 2.0 RS e:HEV is also available in a stunning Ignite Red Metallic, while both the 1.5 VX Turbo CVT and 1.5 V Turbo is available in Lunar Silver Metallic.
Words by Ren Alcantara. Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE August 2024 Issue.