Honda CR-V

• Competes with: Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape
• Looks like: An SUV with an underbite
• Drivetrain: 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or 2.2-liter diesel (Europe); 166-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder (U.S.)
• Hits dealerships: At U.S. dealerships now
• MSRP: $20,600 - $28,000

The CR-V sport utility vehicle Honda will sell in Europe looks a lot like its American cousin, but is substantially different under the skin. Optional adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, a different gasoline engine and the choice of a diesel powerplant are some major differences. A stability control system, active front head restraints, a five-speed automatic transmission and a more powerful engine are standard on European models. Outside, the CR-V features sloping windows and a distinct two-level grille. Exterior The boxy shape of past CR-Vs has given way to a rounder appearance, particularly in the rear, sloping windows. Subtle creases on the bodyside and around the wheel wells also help the 2007 CR-V avoid the slab-sided look of early-generation SUVs. Up front, a distinctive grille has an upper opening holding the Honda badge, and a lower, wider opening below. The twin grille is combined with a wide, jutting bumper and bodywork. The door handles and mirrors are body-colored, and the brake lights maintain their slim, vertical design. The 2007 model is about three inches shorter than the previous generation — mostly because the spare tire no longer hangs at the rear bumper — an inch wider and roughly the same height. It loses almost an inch of ground clearance, but given the CR-V is a car-based crossover, it's doubtful the average buyer will be concerned with its offroad prowess. As in the U.S., the European CR-V rides on standard 17-inch wheels, but European buyers can upgrade to 18-inch wheels. Interior Just as the exterior dimensions grow, so does the interior. Honda says the CR-V's seats are wider, and the center tray table has been redesigned. European buyers get another goodie: An optional panoramic glass roof that extends tinted glass from the windshield to the rear passengers. A picnic table, which was included in earlier models, has been dropped. The optional navigation system now includes voice-recognition software. Under the Hood The European CR-V's gasoline engine is a 2.0-liter powerplant that is smaller and less powerful than the U.S. model's 2.4-liter engine. It turns out 148 horsepower and 140 pounds-feet of torque. (The U.S. engine is good for 166 hp and 161 pounds-feet of torque.) In Europe, a 2.2-liter diesel engine is also offered, but Honda has not released updated power or torque figures for this engine. As in U.S. models, a Real Time 4WD system is optional. Real Time 4WD transfers more torque to the rear wheels when more traction is needed. While U.S. models don't have the option of a manual transmission, the European CR-V comes with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox. Safety Side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, active front head restraints, stability control, electronic brake distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system are among the CR-V's standard safety features. European models gain lots of nifty safety options that U.S. drivers have to do without: Adaptive Cruise Control uses radar to measure the distance to vehicles ahead and, if necessary, applies the brakes or throttle to maintain a constant distance. Europe also gets a Collision Mitigation Brake System. This sounds an alarm to alert drivers if they are coming too close to objects ahead. If the driver doesn't respond, the brakes are applied and the seat belts are tightened. If that doesn't do the trick, the brakes are applied more firmly and the seat belts are tightened even more. There's also an adaptive front lighting system that turns the headlights in the direction the CR-V is turning. source : car