Going by the various speculations abounding the web space, it looks like Honda Cars India has been busy readying a slew of new models for a launch in the coming year. While are looking forward to meeting a host of new Honda Cars at Auto Expo 2018, here, in this post, we have come up with the launch and price details of the most expensive of all the upcoming Honda cars in India – the 2018 Honda CRV 7 seater variant. Yes, Honda is likely to launch a 7 seater model of the CR-V to gain from the rapidly rising sales in the premium SUV segment. The 7 seater model of Honda’s popular SUV is already on sale in Thailand, and its India launch is likely to happen sometime next year. Also See- Honda Cars at Auto Expo 2018
It’s worth a mention here that the new Honda CRV 2018 is high on safety and crash protection. It has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by the ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia). As per the crash test reports, the new Honda CR-V has received a score of 88.8 out of 100. The crash tests conducted on the SUV included frontal offset impact test and side impact along with an in-depth evaluation of all the safety features.
Also See – Upcoming SUVs | Cars at Auto Expo 2018
So far, one of the biggest drawbacks of the CRV has been the lack of a Diesel engine option. Another negative is that until now the SUV has been a strict 5 seater. Now, however, it seems like the next generation model will have all the bases covered. It will not only offer seven-seat format but will even have a Diesel engine option. In India, the new 2018 Honda CRV 7 seater model will have two engine options- 2.4-litre i-VTEC Petrol and 1.6-litre iDTEC Diesel. The latter will even offer a 9-speed ZF automatic transmission. The new CRV will be available in both FWD (Front Wheel Drive) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) formats. While the 2.4-litre petrol engine will be carried forward from the earlier generation and will come with a CVT.
Also See – Honda Accord Hybrid | New Honda Civic | Honda Jazz Facelift
In terms of design, the 2018 CRV 7-seater model will look much more modern and even bolder than the current car. The new SUV is based on the latest Civic’s modular platform and gets Honda’s latest design theme. Thanks to the flexible platform, the CRV will offer a four wheel drive option. On the inside, the CRV will offer three rows of seats. A 7 seater layout will boost the appeal of this car. Of course, the new CRV is dimensionally bigger than the earlier generation. Its wheelbase is as much as 41 mm longer, which helps it accommodate the third row of seats.
Among the highlights of the new CRV is its long list of features. For the first time ever, the Honda CRV will get an automatic shutter type grille that lowers the car’s aerodynamic drag by a fair margin. It will get a modern infotainment unit that will offer a 7-inch touchscreen interface and will have features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mirror Link, Internal Storage and Bluetooth connectivity. Other features will include a multi-zone climate control, electric parking brake, electric tailgate and an electric sunroof.
2018 Honda CRV 7 Seater India Launch Date
| Launch Date (expected) | By June 2018 |
While the new 2018 Honda CRV 7 Seater will replace the current CRV in India, it will be positioned in the segment above. This will enable the manufacturer to also launch the HRV in India and position it in a way that there’s no price overlap between the two SUVs. The new generation of Honda’s popular SUV is likely to make its India debut at the Auto Expo 2018. Subsequently, it will go on sale in the first half of 2018. We are yet to receive an official confirmation of the launch date. However, we’ll keep you updated with all the new developments on the CRV 2018 model.
Also See – Hyundai Tucson vs Honda CR-V
2018 Honda CRV 7 Seater Price in India
| Model | Expected Price |
| Base Model | Rs 25 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 30 lakh |
Like we said, the new CRV will be positioned in a higher segment. Also, it will bring in many new features along with a higher seating capacity. There will be also a Diesel engine and a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic gearbox for the petrol motor. All this will lead to a considerable increase in the prices of Honda’s premium SUV. We’re expecting the CRV to have a starting price of Rs 25 lakh. The fully loaded model could cost as much as Rs 30 lakh.
2018 Honda CRV 7 Seater Specifications
| Engine | 2.4-litre iVTEC Petrol/1.6-litre iDTEC Diesel |
| Max. Power | 160 PS/160 PS |
| Peak Torque | 190 Nm/300 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual, CVT/ 6-speed Manual, 9-speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD and AWD |
The new 2018 Honda CRV will offer two engine options – 2.4-litre Petrol and 1.6-litre Diesel. This will be the first time that Honda will offer the CRV SUV with a Diesel engine option. The new 1.6-litre iDTEC Diesel engine will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. There will be an option of a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission. The new 1.6-litre iDTEC Diesel engine will be locally produced at Honda’s Tapukara facility in Rajasthan. This engine will also end up powering the new Civic and the HRV. The oil burner will have a max. power of 160 PS and a peak torque of 300 Nm. It is likely to be available in both FWD and AWD formats.
On the other hand, the petrol variant will get the same 2.4-litre iVTEC engine that powers the current car. This engine outputs a max. power of 160 PS and a peak torque of 190 Nm. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a CVT. The Petrol engine variant will also come in both FWD and AWD formats.
2018 Honda CRV Mileage
| Petrol | 14 KMPL |
| Diesel | 20 KMPL |
The introduction of the Diesel engine will make the CRV a lot more economical to run. It’s expected that the oil burner will easily offer a max. fuel mileage of 20 KMPL. On the other hand, the petrol will offer a peak fuel mileage figure of 14 KMPL.
2018 Honda CRV Features
- LED Turn Indicators
- Electrically Adjustable Outside Rear View Mirrors
- Tailgate Spoiler
- Auto Shutting Front Grille
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Auto Headlamps
- Roof Rails
- Electric Sunroof
- LED DRLs
- LED Taillights
- Cruise Control
- Multi Zone Climate Control
- Multi-functional Steering Wheel
- Keyless Entry
- Push Button Start
- Electric Taillgate
- LCD Multi Information Display
- Touchscreen Infotainment System
- Satellite Nav
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Mirror Link
- Bluetooth connectivity
Safety Features – The Honda CRV 2018 is high on safety features. It offers-
- ABS
- EBD
- 6 Airbags
- Emergency Stop Signal
- Hill Start Assist
- Electric Parking BRake
- Vehicle Stability Assist
- Tyre-tronics
2018 Honda CRV Rivals
In India, the new CRV 2018 will go on to rival a host of SUVs like-
2018 Honda CRV Dimensions
| Length | 4,596 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,679 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 198 mm |
| Max. Boot Space | 967-litres |
Underpinned by the latest Civic’s modular platform, the new generation CRV has grown in size. It is now as much as 4,596 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and stands 1,679 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,660 mm, which is 41 mm longer than before. The new gen SUV has a ground clearance of 198 mm. With all the three rows of seats in place, the SUV offers a boot space of 150-litres. However, it can be boosted to 472-litres by folding the third-row of seats. It can be further increased to 967-litres by folding the second-row as well.
2018 Honda CRV – Exterior Design Review
While the design of the new CRV 2018 builds on the current SUV’s profile, it has got larger in dimensions. This has helped the manufacturer to offer a third row of seats. At the front-end, the 2018 Honda CRV 7 seater model gets a really sharp nose that is characterized by the sleek headlamps and tasteful usage of chrome. The side profile, especially the window line, bears some resemblance to the outgoing model. At the back, the new 2017 CRV features high mounted L-shaped stop lamps that get LED detailing. Honda has been generous with the usage of chrome all around the SUV. The front bumper, side skirts, window area, and the rear, all feature chrome highlights. It also features dual tone alloys, black body cladding and roof rails that add to the crossover/SUV look.
2017 Honda CRV India – Interior Design Review
The insides feel plusher and boast higher levels of sophistication too. Like the current CR-V, the gear stick is mounted on the dashboard and not between the driver and co-passenger seat. The steering wheel looks quite similar to that of the new Honda Civic. Behind the steering wheel, there is an all-digital instrument console, which could be customisable. There is a 7 inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment system on offer as well. Depending on the market, the dashboard will get either an all black treatment or a black beige combination. To add to the premium feel, the dashboard also features wood inserts. Like the Honda CR-V for Thailand, the one that comes to India will also feature a 5+2 seating layout.
Are you waiting for the new 2018 Honda CRV 7 Seater model? Do let us know by commenting below.
