Honda CR-V with petrol, diesel engine, automatic transmission launched

Japanese auto major Honda on Tuesday launched a new version of its premium sports utility vehicle (SUV) CR-V in India, priced between Rs 2.81 million to Rs 3.27 million (ex-showroom). The two-wheel drive petrol variant of the fifth-generation CR-V is priced at Rs 2.81 million. The diesel variant with two-wheel drive option, on the other hand, is priced at Rs 3.06 million. The trim with all wheel drive (AWD) option is priced at Rs 3.27 million.

It is for the first time Honda has introduced the diesel powertrain to the CR-V line-up in India.

While the petrol variants are powered by a 2-litre CVT (continuously variable transmission) engine delivering a power output of 154 PS, the 1.6-litre diesel trims come mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Both the petrol and diesel versions of the model will feature automatic transmissions only.

"We strongly believe that the new CR-V has the potential to be a game changer in premium SUV segment and we foresee a shift in consumer preference towards more luxurious and comfortable SUVs," Honda Cars India President and CEO Gaku Nakanishi told reporters here.

He added that the company plans to launch three new products during the current fiscal.

Honda plans to introduce new version of its premium sedan Civic later during the fiscal.

It has already launched all new Amaze earlier this year.

"The launches would help us further consolidate our position in the premium SUV segment and the premium sedan segment," Nakanishi said.

Honda will assemble the new CR-V at its Greater Noida facility. The company has sold over 17,500 units of petrol powered CR-V units in India since launching the model in 2003.

Currently, the premium SUV segment in the country is dominated by the likes of Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.