Honda's CR-V Hybrid is the company's first hybrid SUV, and follows the introduction of two and four wheel drive petrol versions of the fifth generation CR-V in 2018.
Phil Webb, Honda UK's head of cars, says: “The CR-V hybrid is the first step in achieving our objective of electrified powertrains accounting for two-thirds of our European sales by 2025.”
Diesel took 60% of previous-generation CR-V sales, but the Hybrid should prove just as popular. “In a marketplace that is going to become increasingly competitive as time goes on, the CR-V is well placed to achieve strong sales results,” Webb says.
Hybrid drive is coupled with a new fixed single gear ratio gearbox which Honda calls I-MMD works similarly to the concept of Hydrogen fuel cells. The petrol 2.0-litre engine runs at low revs to power the charge for one of the electric motors.
The popular British-built SUV continues to offer the versatility its customers demand. Boasting front or four wheel drive, as well as the option of seven seats across its range for the first time, the Hybrid commands an £800 premium over the non-hybrid EX-trim CVR AWD, and starts at £29,105.