The war in Europe pound SUV with diesel engines of low power and associates in a very high percentage of front-wheel. Honda needed rain in May, and in fact that very month come to the Civic, a diesel engine small displacement, power and mainly just some records in their economy really unprecedented consumption and emissions. For that reason we moved to Nice to try , and later did the same at home with the consumption of test Civic 1.6 i-DTEC and now march to Prague to get behind the wheel of the Honda CR-V 2.6 i-DTEC 120 hp.
Speaking of this engine in a Honda CR-V the importance is even greater. This model needed once and for all a good diesel engine, with the right power (which will be 120 hp) and a really competitive access price . Course will be associated with front-wheel drive, Honda believes that the market for SUV revolves around the 4 × 2 and its model was not going to be the exception to confirm the rule. Between SUV and SUV, 4 × 2 monopolize in Spain over half the market.
Yet we have not been provided specific prices, since later be confirmed as it approaches the start of its marketing in Spain in November. But Honda talks openly about savings versus a 2.2 i-DTEC 4WD between 3,500 and 4,000 euros , without thinking about the possibility of a new Plan PIVE . The 2.2 i-DTEC 4WD with current promotions of 25,600 euros.
Honda has developed a block in which lightweight construction was one of the main priorities. 's new 1.6 i-DTEC is 46 kilograms lighter than the 2.2 i-DTEC and the use of aluminum has been extended to the block and the head of the cylinders, the thickness of these have declined and are lightened pistons and connecting rods. The lighter weight along with friction optimization of the elements in movement has achieved significant energy improvement, but also a blatant smooth running and vibration noise and really good for a four-cylinder diesel engine.
The turbo on this engine, signed by Garrett, is optimized through a system of variable pressure up to 1.5 bar with the aim to provide good performance in high returns, or at least exploit as far as possible the performance of a diesel engine in a range in which usually does not work well, and reduce lag and improve response in the mid range and low speed. The injection system and signed by Bosch gas recirculation along with NOx catalyst (which does not require additives such AdBlue) help to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. But unlike the new Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV -D , the Honda CR-V still does not meet the Euro VI emission standard.
The manual transmission used in conjunction with this engine has also been lightened accordingly , one with respect to the 7 kg of 2.2 i-DTEC. Besides the improvement in efficiency that this may entail, we tried to improve the accuracy of the box and its softness and sincerely believe that this can be seen from the first moment we set off. According to the Department of Honda R & D and engine makers, is not working on any automatic transmission that will be associated with this engine, as it would distort the original meaning of this.
The Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC develops 120 horsepower, which is enough to move with the body guarantees an SUV of its size. Moreover, its power motors are usually the most popular . It also delivers a maximum torque of 300 Nm at around 2,000 rpm.
One thing that interested, and much, we have Spanish buyer in their CO 2 approved of only 119 g / km . That means that the Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC is the only range that will be exempt from registration tax assuming significant savings and facilitating its price is so competitive. Hence, if we put front wheel drive, less powerful engine and not pay the 4.75% tax rate, the difference with a 2.2 i-DTEC 4WD can become up to 4,000 euros.
On paper this Honda CR-V homologous 4.5 litres/100 kilometers . And I say on paper because as we know usually the approval method helps establish comparison, but in real life consumption will be strongly conditioned by the habits of the driver. We will see later, but overall this engine maintains low fuel consumption and effectively helps to practice a very thrifty driving.
The version we tested was quite comfortable with 17 "wheels , even considering that wore tires (see picture of the Continental CrossContact LX ) more focused on camper use or snowy roads. At 17 "this Honda CR-V still looks pretty pintón and honestly, I see no need to equip a rim of 18 " in the 1.6 i-DTEC, mainly because consumption and emissions rise accordingly and Lifestyle finishing (with 18 ") will pay a 4.75% registration tax. The other finishes available with this engine, the Comfort and Elegance, are exempt from this tax.
With all that said I run out the reasons for recommending the 2.2 i-DTEC, however, 150 hp diesel remains the ideal choice for anyone looking for a powerful SUV (without thinking solely on their price or their consumption), AWD (since the 1.6 i-DTEC only be marketed as FWD) or automatic . There will be very specific equipment such as panoramic sunroof, which are not available even as an option on the 1.6 i-DTEC.
However I will not leave without recommend reading our test Honda CR-V and in particular the part dealing with the dynamic analysis of Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC 150 hp 4WD.