With the RDX already out in the open, we figured it wouldn't be long before the next-generation Honda CR-V appeared. A sharp-eyed photographer in Australia managed to snag one of the best shots yet of the upcoming compact SUV as it drove along side its RDX cousin. It looks slightly larger than the current model, but most speculation points to the continuation of four-cylinder power only. With rivals like the 269 horsepower Toyota RAV4, Honda could be taking a chance of getting left behind...
Then again, with gas prices the way they are maybe Honda has the better plan.
rsholland says:
11:22 AM, 04/25/06
So, it looks like no more rear-mounted spare. Wanna bet it now comes with a donut spare.
Not so sure the bottom edge of the rear hatch being right out there with the edge of the bumper is a smart idea. Even a slight rear-ender could cause that rear hatch damage.
orbit9090 says:
11:38 AM, 04/25/06
The 2007 Honda CR-V pictured here looks attractive and appears to have an appropriately sized exterior for its customer base. However, if Honda hopes to attract customers taller than 6'0", they better have increased the available front leg room (seat travel) by at least 6 inches and equipped this all-new vehicle with a tilt - telescopic steering wheel.
I am, of course, hoping for a hybrid version, and also a USB-Jumpdrive or Memory-Stick input port (located right next to the ignition switch, since I keep mine on my keychain) for conveniently uploading mp3's directly into the audio system. -PK-
trackwrex says:
11:45 AM, 04/25/06
i agree with that rear hatch being a pain in the case of a rear-end collision... hmmm.. split rear hatch maybe? glass part goes up, although that wouldn't really make any sense but... you never know... lol... i'm starting rumors here aren't i?? lol. j/k
orangelebaron says:
01:07 PM, 04/25/06
I'm not even 6' tall (almost 5'11") and I couldn't get comfortable in the CRV or even the RAV4 (including the new one)... The seat doesn't go back far enough. But that's ok... I don't really care for the CRV anyway!
once_for_all says:
01:42 PM, 04/25/06
reminds me of the CX-7 and Murano shapes. The front windshield seeems to have a serious rake to it. Driver seat is much closer to the middle of the vehicle. My guess it is about 5 inches longer than the current CR-V.
la4mead says:
03:42 PM, 04/25/06
Tailgates have been sitting ducks on the small utes for some time, unfortunately. It's kept me from getting a RAV or CRV in favor of a vehicle with a sturdier frame and without a spare on the door, and I've been hit in traffic three times in the rear since then (once the offending vehicle was totalled), with only cosmetic damage to my car which was easily and cheaply repaired.
With fuel prices the way they are, I hope there was more focus on fuel economy with the CRV than the RDX.
trackwrex says:
04:00 PM, 04/25/06
la4mead: yes, there's a focus on fuel economy vs. the RDX...
beedublu says:
06:39 PM, 04/25/06
My first reaction, upon seeing the side window line as this photo loaded was: "Pontiac Vibe". Which is not a complement.
OTOH, I've never been a fan of tailgate mounted spares, so that part of the design is an improvement.
jerrywimer says:
04:56 AM, 04/26/06
I liked what I saw, but something seemed odd. It's that taller front glass to shorter rear glass thing (what beedublu is talking about). Otherwise it looks fairly attractive from this angle. Trackwrex, I don't believe it has a split rear hatch, or at least not in the one shown here- I have yet to see a vehicle with the rear wiper mounted through the glass if the glass can be lifted up separately.
rsholland says:
05:06 AM, 04/26/06
There seems to be a trend with SUVs to make the rear quarter windows smaller, to make them "distinctive." Well distinctive is okay, so long as it doesn't cut down on visibility. So far, in virtually all cases that I've seen, distinctive has won out over visability. Pure and simple, that's bad design.
hal9000 says:
06:47 AM, 04/26/06
At first glance I followed the false "chrome" roof line..but after a closer look I noticed the weather stripping after the C pillar..pretty extreme angle...sort like a Porsche 911.
trackwrex says:
07:38 AM, 04/26/06
jerrywimer: sorry about the split rear hatch thing- i was just starting rumors. lol. it's just that i really don't like how far down the hatch seems to fall (it's essentially part of the rear bumper).