The aerodynamics are another key area in which form and function go hand-in-hand. The adoption of a flat under floor and sculptured wheelarches have smoothed the air flow under the car, while a longer roof combined with aerodynamically optimised front bumper and rear spoiler help to manage the air-flow over the body. The result is a reduction in the drag coefficient by 6.5% compared with the current CR-V to the benefit of performance, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

[Engine]

... either a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine or a 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. Both are a development of the engines found in the third generation CR-V but both have been comprehensively redesigned with a focus on reducing CO2 emissions. "We have placed a key emphasis on applying new technologies to reduce the friction in the engines and improve their efficiency," explains Nakagawa.[the Large Project Leader (LPL) for the CR-V] Idle-stop technology has also been introduced on all models fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Improvements in fuel economy and reduction of CO2 emissions in the new CR-V have been achieved without compromising driving pleasure. The power and torque outputs of the i-DTEC engine remain at 150PS and 350Nm respectively, but the CO2 emissions fall from 171g/km to 149g/km* (12%) for the manual version, and from 195g/km to 174g/km* for models equipped with the five-speed automatic transmission.

The power output of the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine has risen from 150PS to 155PS*, while the torque has increased by 2Nm to 192Nm*. Despite this increase in performance, CO2 emissions have fallen from 192g/km to 173g/km* for the manual version, and from 195g/km to 175g/km* for the automatic.

[Front-wheel drive model]

Customers opting for the two-wheel drive CR-V will see a further reduction in exhaust emissions to 168g/km*. The introduction of a front-wheel drive CR-V responds to changing market conditions. Across Europe, two-wheel drive models now account for 51% of the petrol-engined compact-SUV market according to a survey conducted in 2011.