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S. Muralidhar

IT would seem that Indians simply cannot take to automatics. Surely, the higher price of an automatic transmission variant is a big deterrent. But, to certain degree, we would also like to believe that the average Indian is keen on being fully engaged and in control of the vehicle he is driving. This assumption will be even more relevant in the luxury and super premium segment where the price differential may not be an issue.

Manual CR-V

Not surprising then that Honda has decided to come up with a manual transmission variant of its popular premium compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) — the CR-V. The new 2005 Honda CR-V will now be available in a five-speed manual transmission version. Honda Siel Cars said the decision to launch the manual CR-V was taken based on customer feedback. CR-V buyers who also drive the car themselves would have felt the need for a manual to experience the thrill of off-roading even better than in an automatic.

Aiming at consolidating its position in the premium car segment, the Japanese company has launched the latest in the CR-V series, introduced recently in international markets. Not stopping with just providing a manual option, Honda has gone ahead and effected a few more changes to the CR-V's package, making it an even more attractive option for buyers in the luxury car segment. In keeping with the CR-V's tagline — the comfort of a sedan with the thrills of an SUV — Honda has introduced a new colour and interior design theme and replaced the old two litre engine with a new, more powerful 2.4 litre burner for the 2005 edition.

More power, more hi-tech

Many of the changes in the new 2005 versions (both manual and automatic) have been introduced on the basis of feedback received from customers over the past one year. Honda probably also got feedback that the old two-litre engine was a shade underpowered for an SUV in this segment. Though the CR-V is a compact (not full-size) SUV and was configured for fuel-efficient performance in city driving conditions, the 2-litre engine may have been a bit wanting on power in off-road conditions.

However, despite the increased engine size, the new 2.4-litre power plant incorporates a number of Honda's leading technology features that boost its performance to a new high, while still keeping fuel consumption low.

With the 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, the vehicle is designed to offer increased power and yet the same ease, in any driving condition, responding instantly and intelligently to the driver's needs. This lightweight, compact and quiet engine — of Honda's latest generation VTEC "i-series" — delivers a whopping 152 bhp compared to 138 bhp from the previous 2-litre engine. The new powerplant uses an innovative combination of `intelligent' valve control technologies that realise ideal combustion in all rpm ranges, significantly improving the combustion efficiency.

In addition, the acclaimed, environment-friendly Honda LEV (low emission vehicle) technology helps reduce hazardous elements in the emission. Honda's exclusive Grade Logic Control System constantly compares vehicle speed with engine load and computes the ideal shift pattern for the road ahead.

The new five-speed manual transmission is tuned to deliver a smooth performance, both while driving in the city and on the highway. The sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission will also continue to be available with a higher trim level. The new 2005 CR-V will continue to feature the same refined suspension that has been designed for high rigidity, extra-responsive handling and enhanced passenger riding comfort.

Several aesthetic enhancements have been made in the new 2005 edition both in the interior as well as the exterior of the vehicle. The 2005 CR-V sports new, modified headlamp and tail-lamp clusters and a new, more aggressive bonnet grille. The new, clear-lens headlamps and tail-lamps feature telescopic reflectors and the CR-V now comes with two new paint finishes that complement the new colour theme of the interiors. Minor modifications to the CR-V's bumpers also lend it a sportier stance.

The new all beige interiors and real leather upholstery (in the automatic variant) supplement the premiumness and luxury of the car. The manual transmission version will sport premium cloth upholstery. A new CD-cum-cassette music system (also plays MP3 in the automatic) adds elegance to the interiors. In the exterior, the new 16-inch alloy wheels (instead of the old version's 15-inch) extend better control on the road.

Other features

The CR-V's spacious interiors have also been designed to offer the driver and passengers a sedan-like comfort and ease, both in terms of riding comfort as well as storage convenience. Like its predecessor, the new CR-V offers several thoughtful cubby holes and innovative stowage features, which add to passengers' convenience and comfort.

For enhanced safety, the exclusive Honda G-Force control technology enhances passenger shielding by controlling collision forces in the event of an accident. The standard anti-lock braking (ABS) system helps maintain control in an emergency and the vehicle is also equipped with dual SRS airbags, side airbags and three-point ELR seatbelts with a pre-tensioner and load limiter system. The new CR-V will be available in four colours — Opel Beige Metallic (new), Premium White (new); Night Hawk Black and Satin Silver — through 48 exclusive Honda dealerships across the country.

The 2005 CR-V manual should be even more exciting to drive than its automatic sibling.

The 2005 Honda CR-V has been priced at Rs 15.9 lakh for the manual transmission version and Rs 17 lakh for the automatic (both prices ex-showroom Chennai).

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