Honda tends to play the news and photos of upcoming products close to the vest, but today they released a photo of the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V set to go on sale in the United States by the end of the year.
“The 2012 CR-V Concept introduces the exterior styling for the more sophisticated and dynamic design of the upcoming production model,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda’s latest technologies for convenience and refinement.”
The CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction for the top-selling1 SUV in the United States. Compared to the current-generation CR-V, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper’s smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics.
The CR-V’s signature vertical rear taillights remain for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. The CR-V Concept’s large 5-spoke machined alloy wheels and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle’s dynamic presence and capability.
The all-new 2012 CR-V will improve upon the current model in a variety of ways, and will feature a more fuel-efficient engine and reduced body weight. In addition to all-new exterior styling, the 2012 CR-V will have an all-new interior with a more accommodating and spacious design with a lower cargo floor.
Automotive News is quoting other sources who indicated the CR-V will be powered by the 201-hp 2.4-liter engine from the Acura TSX Sport Wagon with better fuel economy than the current model.? The fuel improvement will come from weight-reduction technologies.? They say there is also talk of a future hybrid version, but no V-6.? The vehicle was the U.S. leader in compact SUV sales in 2010 with sales of 203,714 units. But during the first six months of 2011, the Ford Escape surged ahead of the CR-V with sales of 122,607 vehicles to the CR-V’s 110,916 units.
Currently in the fifth year of its model cycle, the 2012 CR-V Concept will be on display at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California, in September.
