2017 Honda CR-V set to bring sport-flavoured RS but no diesel

The all-new Honda CR-V will arrive in Australia in the second-half of 2017, but don’t hold your breath for a diesel option.

Honda Australia today confirmed the focus for the new CR-V would be petrol powerplants, but said the new model was built with a ‘fun to drive’ mantra with a focus on performance and driver engagement.

While Honda wouldn’t be drawn on specifics, it does add weight to rumours the Thai-built CR-V will arrive with a sporty RS trim level, possibly powered by the brand’s 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine – a version of which features in the upcoming Civic Hatch Type R.

“Our core business now, and we think ongoing, is petrol. Diesel is reducing in most segments. So we’re looking at diesel, but our core focus for CR-V has been and will be petrol,” said Honda Australia Director, Stephen Collins.

“I think performance is one area that we’re looking to improve. The ride, the handling – I think what we’re looking for is “fun to drive”. We believe we delivered that with the Civic. And I think when we talk about CR-V, it’s that fun-to-drive aspect combined with quality, a premium interior and all that sort of stuff which you’ll see.

“I think it’s a great-looking thing. I think what you’ll see is it’s a bit more dynamic, rugged and distinctive, and I think that’s a great thing.

(Seven seats) are certainly part of the discussion.

“Our HR-V private market share is 13 per cent, so I can’t see any reason why we can’t get double digit market share with CR-V, and if we did that, that would put us in among the top players.”

The CR-V is expected to be revealed later this year, ahead of a local arrival next year. Honda Australia is yet to confirm whether it will arrive with both a five- and seven-seat option, but has said both are currently being discussed.

“(Seven seats) are certainly part of the discussion, but in terms of final specs for the Australian market, that’s something we still need to work through,” said Honda’s GM of Customer Communications, Scott McGregor.

“We’re saying (it will arrive) in the second-half of next year. It’s all-new, so we’re pushing very hard to put the latest of what’s available in that car.”

Honda Australia also confirmed it had submitted a business case to its Japanese headquarters to introduce a bigger SUV to sit above the CR-V, and to add a pick-up or ute to the local line-up. However, Mr McGregor conceded any such models were a long way from confirmed.

“With a ute, for example, it would need a big turbo engine with a big towing capacity and payload. We’ve done the business case,” he said.

“But when you think about where it would need to be produced to get to the Australian market at the right price…I think a case would need to be put together where there’s a number of right-hand-drive markets in our area, (so we’d) be able to get it, land it, and put it on sale with the right package at the right price, so there’d still be a number of hurdles.”

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