Honda's commitment to delivering a premium driving experience was in full display as it launched the All-New Honda CR-V at the plush Grand Hyatt Manila last 13 September.

Enhanced dimensions, bold lines, and a prominent front grille echo Honda's intention of making this CR-V a true all-rounder. It was all pleasing to the eyes.

No wonder the event not only attracted key stakeholders from the media, banking, insurance, and dealer sectors, but also loyalists from Honda car clubs.

Inside, a spacious and luxe cabin awaits, replete with state-of-the-art features. Overall, the simplified lines and powerful proportions make this an elegantly brutish iteration of the model line.

And we haven't unlocked the doors — or the hood — yet.

Central to Honda's global strategy of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the 6th-generation Honda CR-V is a primary player in the brand's electrification initiative.

Pioneering this movement in the Philippine market is the much-anticipated CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT, positioning itself as the epitome of advanced driving and safety technologies in Honda's stable.

Delving into the specifics, the e:HEV technology embedded within the CR-V consolidates Honda's extensive expertise in gasoline engines and electrification.

The heart of this system is a synergy between two electric motors — the Traction Motor and the Generator Motor — paired seamlessly with a 2.0-liter Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle engine.

With specifications boasting 146 hp and 183 Nm from the engine and a significant 181 hp and 335 Nm from the electric motors, the e:HEV demonstrates its versatility by employing the gasoline engine for high-speed cruising.

Such an integrated approach ensures an exquisite balance between eco-friendliness and a gratifying driving experience.

The e:HEV's dynamic performance hinges on its ability to fluidly transition between its three driving modes, aptly named the EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode and Engine Drive Mode.

Beyond the obvious fuel economy benefits of a full hybrid system, this CR-V variant provides drivers with a Drive Mode Switch, facilitating the easy selection of modes like Sport, Normal and Econ to cater to various driving moods.

Ensuring optimal use of energy, the e:HEV's regenerative braking system, coupled with its traction motor, reclaims energy during deceleration. This not only enhances the car's electric range but also fine-tunes fuel economy.

In a reassuring move for customers, Honda has fortified the CR-V 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT with an 8-year or 200,000-kilometer battery warranty.

The Philippine market will also be introduced to a turbocharged gas engine variant of the CR-V. The 1.5 V Turbo CVT and 1.5 VX Turbo CVT AWD come equipped with a 1.5-liter Direct Injection DOHC VTEC engine.

Augmented by a turbocharger and a refined exhaust system, this model offers a robust 187 hp and 240 Nm of torque, affirming its place as the most potent gas-powered CR-V iteration.

Honda's official fuel efficiency numbers puts the e:HEV variant at an impressive 29.4 KM/L in urban driving, while its petrol counterpart clocks 16.4 KM/L in extra urban conditions.

Safety remains paramount for Honda. The latest Honda Sensing driver-assistive technology graces all variants, sporting an enhanced front sensor camera and radar system.

This suite of safety features, combined with a robust structural design, culminated in the All-New Honda CR-V securing a five-star rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program.