Honda’s CR-V SUV becomes hybrid-only with e:HEV drivetrain

Honda UK’s CR-V flagship SUV will be available as a hybrid only from 2021 as the Japanese carmaker continues its planned move to electrify its vehicle range.

All versions of the revised model will wear e:HEV badging – aligning it the new Jazz hybrid – in a shift which ushers in a number of revisions and styling tweaks, but the loss of a seven-seat option for customers.

The Honda CR-V e:HEV becomes available in UK showrooms this month, with prices starting from £30,180.

Rebecca Stead, head of automobile at Honda UK, said: “The CR-V is such an iconic part of Honda’s range and history it is only fitting that the revised 2021 model is ready to take on a changing and challenging market place, equipped with the latest technologies and equipment to make consumer’s lives that little bit easier.”

Among the 2021 CR-V’s styling upgrades is a new silver finish applied to key visual elements on the centre console, doors cards and dashboard accents.

Other updates include a new 18-inch alloy wheel design for all grades and privacy glass from SE models upwards.

Range-topping EX trim gains wireless smartphone charging for improved connectivity.

Mechanically, the CR-V retains Honda's i-MMD hybrid powertrain technology, which is built around two electric motors, an Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, and an innovative fixed-gear transmission.

On the WLTP combined cycle, the system produces CO2 emissions of 151g/km and fuel economy of 42.2mpg on front-wheel drive models, and 161g/km and 39.2mpg for all-wheel drive models.

The suspension and steering has been tuned to improve handling and low-speed manoeuvrability.