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An important safety feature is the positioning and geometry of the front side frames along with a low bumper-beam to help engage the structural elements of other vehicles in the event of a crash. This is Honda’s response to concerns that, in collisions between SUVs and passenger cars – which are lower – the severity of damage and injuries is in the passenger cars.

One of Honda’s objectives was to obtain a 5-star rating in US crash tests for frontal impact. Unlike some other companies which make claims even before an independent authority conducts actual crash tests, Honda stresses that the new CR-V has yet to be tested by the US National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), However, its engineers are confident it will get the highest crash test rating when tests are conducted in due course.

i-VTEC ENGINES USED
Two engines are available for the new CR-V: a 2.0-litre for most markets including Japan and a 2.4-litre for North America. Both DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engines are the new generation i-VTEC units with an “intelligent” valve-control system. This combines Variable Timing Control (VTC) – which continuously adjusts intake camshaft phasing – with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) that changes valve lift, timing and duration. Overall, the engine’s low to medium power range is claimed to be significantly improved (compared to the previous CR-V’s powerplant), resulting in better throttle response at low engine speeds.

Further technological innovations including a variable-length intake manifold and rear-port, dual exhaust system. In addition, the CR-V’s transversely-mounted engine block has been rotated 180 degrees putting the exhaust manifold closer to the catalytic converter for to speed heating up of the catalyst so it can quickly do its cleansing work.

Power outputs are 116 kW/158 ps for the 2.0-litre engine and marginally more for the 2.4-litre engine which has extra displacement mainly because of the tougher emission control regulations in North America, particularly California.

For new CR-Vs sold in North America, the engine’s first scheduled tune-up is at 177,000 kms (only routine inspections and fluid changes are required prior to that). Credit for this goes to long-wearing platinum-tipped spark plugs, a long-life timing chain, and careful engineering of the precisely manufactured DOHC valvetrain which is said to reliably maintain proper valve tappet clearances for that mileage.

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