It’s nip-and-tuck time for Honda’s family off-roader and it looks like any chance of buyers getting their hands on a conventional petrol engine has been nipped in the bud with it – the CR-V is now hybrid-only.
When the CR-V appeared in 2018 the sole powertrain option was a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol, though that was soon joined by a 2.0-litre hybrid. But the facelift car ditches the 1.5 option altogether.
The new CR-Vs all get blue-ringed H badges and silver trim for the centre console, door cards and dashboard. Buyers skipping the entry-level S model get 18in alloys and privacy glass while EX trim brings wireless smartphone charging.
Honda has even been busy under the CR-V’s skin. The suspension is tweaked for more linear handling responses and to improve the ride comfort. There are also changes to the dual-pinion electric steering aimed at making the car simpler to drive in low-speed situations.
The CR-V Hybrid features a pair of electric motors but no plug-in facility to charge the battery. So it’s not a PHEV, but could the CR-V’s new e:HEV badges be an effort to kid you it’s part of the cool gang?
One look at the green stats and you won’t be fooled: the CR-V is rated at 42.2mpg on the new WLTP combined cycle and emits 151g/km in front-wheel drive form. But go for the four-wheel drive version and those numbers rise and fall to 161g/km and 39.2mpg.
The old CR-V 1.5 started at £27,270, but the Hybrid cost £30,810 in its most basic S form, and almost £40k in top-spec EX guise. Honda says the new CR-V Hybrid starts at £30,810, which means it’s actually cheaper than before – and cheaper than rivals like the PHEV Toyota Rav4.
But dropping the 1.5 petrol means the bottom rung of the CR-V ladder is now a much bigger stretch than before.
Keyword: Facelifted 2021 Honda CR-V only available with hybrid power