2019 Honda CR-V Vi announced from $28,290
New base model packs naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, CVT as standard.
Honda has expanded its CR-V range, announcing the launch of a new entry-level Vi variant with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and CVT.
The new base CR-V will be priced from $28,290 before on-road costs, undercutting the current VTi price leader by $2400. Where the VTi (and the wider range, for that matter) is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine making 140kW and 240Nm, the new base model runs with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-pot offering 113kW and 189Nm. (All pricing is here, and Honda is running some offers too)
It's mated exclusively with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT), and claims 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Although it's the base model, Honda has been relatively generous with the standard equipment in the Vi. The car rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, and comes with a rear-view camera, full-size spare wheel, tyre-pressure monitoring, an electric park brake with auto-hold, along with LED daytime-running lights and tail-lights.
It misses out on the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system from higher-grade cars though, with Honda instead fitting a 5.0-inch unit with Bluetooth but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You also get six airbags as standard, although the Honda Sensing suite of semi-autonomous features is still reserved for the range-topper.
As with all new Hondas, the CR-V is offered as standard with a 5-year warranty.
The CR-V Vi will go head-to-head with the Mazda CX-5 Maxx, Mitsubishi Outlander ES five-seat and Toyota RAV4 GX, all of which are more expensive, despite their standard manual transmissions. You can check out the CR-V brochure here.
"CR-V’s strength is it just does so many things so very well," Stephen Collins, Honda Australia director, said.
"Whether it’s carrying kids and their stuff for the school run, a trip to home from Ikea with a boot-load of flat packs, or driving confidently down a winding country road, Honda CR-V does it all”.
To experience the CR-V's on-road qualities for yourself, find a dealer here or book a test drive.
2018 Honda CR-V pricing
- CR-V Vi 2WD (five seat) - $28,290 (new)
- CR-V VTi 2WD (five seat) - $30,690
- CR-V VTi-S 2WD (five seat) - $33,290
- CR-V VTi-S AWD (five seat) - $35,490
- CR-V VTi-L AWD (seven seat) - $38,990
- CR-V VTi-LX AWD (five seat) - $44,290
All prices exclude on-road costs.