Most of the latest car shows were pretty much all about electrified cars and Frankfurt is no exception. One of the new hybrid cars that have premiered here is Honda CR-V Hybrid Prototype. This was one of the most anticipated cars. Simply, the legendary compact crossover is one of the leaders in the class.
However, we didn’t see a hybrid version, despite the fact that it is in production for more than 22 years. During all this time, we have seen five generations of it. The newest model came earlier this year and it is definitely and it quickly became popular. So, the company now expands its offer.
Besides conventional engines, we now have a hybrid version, which should hit the market very soon. The CR-V Hybrid Prototype comes with the same base design as a recently-launched fifth-generation model, except there is a completely new powertrain, which will bring many benefits.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Prototype design
The Honda CR-V Hybrid Prototype was revealed this week in Frankfurt. There is a familiar design that we have seen earlier this year, with the launch of the fifth generation. Since this is one of the most popular compact crossovers in the world, we believe that there is no need for some special introduction.
The company constantly improves this crossover that originally came in 1995. The fifth generation brings some completely new design solutions. Just like the new Civic, it rides on a platform that utilizes a whole bunch of lightweight materials. The body and construction are mostly made of HSS, aluminum and other lightweight materials and this provides some significant weight savings. Furthermore, this makes a huge impact on things like performances, economy and overall ride quality. The new hybrid powertrain will raise things on the even higher level.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Prototype powertrain
The Honda CR-V Hybrid Prototype features a combination of gasoline and electric source of power. There is a familiar combination of 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor that comes with a 1.3-kWh battery pack. However, we didn’t get any information about power and economy. This model features powertrain similar to the Honda Accord Sport Hybrid, so we should see similar numbers. This sedan features a 140-hp gasoline engine and 166-hp electric motor. A total output is around 195 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque.
When it comes to the fuel economy, we are sure that the new CR-V Hybrid Prototype will be able to make more than 51 miles per gallon in a combined drive. Also, we don’t have information about electric drive mode and electric-only range although some reports claim that the new model will be able to go with the electric motor only.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Prototype other powertrain choices
The Honda CR-V Hybrid Prototype will be on the offer for the European market too. On this market, this compact crossover is already available both with diesel and gasoline engines.
The base model comes with a familiar 2.4-liter gasoline engine, which is good for about 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. There is also a new 1.5-liter Turbo engine, which is good for about 190 horses and 179 pound-feet of torque.
Besides these two gasoline units, there is also a 1.6-liter Turbodiesel engine, which makes a total output of 160 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Gasoline units come with either CVT or six-speed manual transmission. On the other side, diesel engine comes with a new 9-speed automatic too.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Prototype serial production
This week we saw a Honda CR-V Hybrid Prototype, which is expected to enter serial production soon. We believe that it will be available on the market somewhere in the first half of next year.
At this moment it is still hard to predict more precise price, although some reports suggest 35.000 dollars. To remind you, the base gasoline version goes around 25.000 dollars. The new hybrid will be available both in Europe and Australia.
