The compact S.U.V. class looks set for some serious competition over the coming 12 months when a completely redesigned Honda CR-V will continue to sell against Toyota's RAV4 and Volkswagen's Tiguan. Plus Mazda's CX-5, which is expected to be very similar to Minagi and packed with the first comprehensive SkyActiv efficiency technologies, will join the ranks. Honda is the runaway leader in the segment and this update is a clear signal of its intention to stay there. The "Walter Mitty" lives we all lead is exemplified by the compact S.U.V. segment, where more than 95 percent of the vehicles sold never venture offroad.
The new CR-V concept will be the fourth-generation of CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States by the end of 2011, and in Europe in Autumn 2012. There's possibly not a single part number that will remain the same, yet many journalists see it as a mild redesign. Having been very familiar with manufacturing philosophies for many years, Honda seems to believe in taking a very good vehicle and refining every aspect through several generations to craft exceptional quality.
It might look only slightly different, but buyers will be purchasing a known quantity with yet another generation of refinements, not something radically new, and you can realistically expect the Honda to maintain its class leadership.
The biggest functional change involves more efficient engines than the current model. The CR-V is one of Honda's best sellers, and can be purchased from a Honda dealership in more than 160 countries.
If you can't wait to see the new new CR-V concept, the first public outing will be at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California, this September 2011.