Cars.com Midsize SUV Shootout; 2012 Honda CRV wins....

By Cars.com Staff  Cars.com

A quick reminder on the judges:

• David Thomas, managing editor, Cars.com
• Bill Jackson, senior editor, Cars.com
• Jennifer Geiger, editor, Cars.com
• Fred Meier, automotive editor, USA Today
• Brian Robinson, producer, "MotorWeek"
• Nicholas and Erin Ravelingeen, parents of two who are eager to replace their 2001 Chevrolet Tracker

Here's how the score broke down: 75% of the total was based on the experts' scores; 15% from the family's scores; and 10% was based on fuel economy. To help you make your own comparisons of these SUVs, we’ve pulled together a list of what you get for $25,000.
It was evident when the smoke cleared that all six of these compact SUVs were strong contenders, each in its own way. With a firm $25,000 price point, consumers could get many useful features, but no one SUV had all of them. The top three finishers were extremely close in scores, which is a testament to how hard it was to pick a winner in this class. If you're in the market for a compact SUV, focus on your top concerns, and certainly one of these will work for you.

No. 6 2013 Ford Escape, 693.5 Points

(See the scorecard, the Monroney sticker or research the 2013 Ford Escape)

What they liked: Even though the Escape came with fewer features than its competitors (our broker got us a no-frills base version, but we couldn't have gotten a different engine without topping our $25,000 maximum price), as a driving machine, it won over more than a few of our reviewers.
"The Escape's 2.5-liter feels spirited from a stop and has plenty of midrange punch," Geiger said. Jackson agreed: "The Escape excels in the vehicle dynamics category — the combination of ride, handling and acceleration — by managing to feel both composed and relaxed." Now, the new Escape ditches the pickup-truck look and feel of the previous generation, and that "unique" look (as Robinson said) appealed to our family testers, too.
"I like this shape much more than the old one." Erin said. "The old one wasn't even a contender because of the shape." One area of concern for several judges was the look of the second-row seats, but Meier discovered that "the thin-looking rear seat has a reclining back, and it is surprisingly comfy and roomy for two." In addition, Thomas noted that the "the cargo area is quite large with a low load floor."

What they didn't: Here's where the no-frills come to roost. The "2.5-liter engine [is] not nearly as nice as the available EcoBoost engines," Robinson said, but he added: "To get the Escape that I would actually want to own, I'd be pushing 30 grand, and at that point, I'm looking at bigger vehicles."
For Geiger, "the cabin is a disappointment: large, uneven panel gaps are obvious; hard plastic surfaces abound; and chintzy fabric makes the seats feel and look budget-grade." As usual, our Shootouts are about families and she noted a big fail in the second row: "There are no rear cupholders (except for the door-panel cubbies) and there's only one seatback pocket." Meier agreed. "There's just not enough useful storage for this segment." Clever underfoot storage in rear seats can't make up for the tiny console bin, lack of cubbies."
For Thomas, his biggest complaint was one we're really feeling in a steamy Midwestern summer. "Someone will have to walk me through how the air-conditioning vents work. They don't shoot air in the direction you think when adjusting them, and there are two above the HVAC controls that shoot air only toward your lap. I had a hard time getting comfortable on the longest driving portions of my test." Meier felt his own pain in a sensitive location: "The front seats are not rump-worthy for a long drive."

The verdict: "The base model is a black-plastic austerity plan," Meier said. "You have to pay more to get the real redesign, including new state-of-the-art engines."
Key Features

• EPA-estimated 22/31 mpg city/highway; we observed 27.4 mpg combined (the second lowest mpg tested).
• 68.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo space; 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (the second highest amount of combined cargo space in comparison)
• Auxiliary input for audio system
• Reclining second row
• Only vehicle tested with wheel covers
• Only vehicle tested without Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
• Floor storage compartment in second row
• No safety data available from NHTSA or IIHS yet

2013 Ford Escape Payment Facts
MSRP with destination fee: $23,295
Monthly payment: $479.16*
Cheapest car in Shootout
Find a 2013 Ford Escape near you

No. 5 2012 Hyundai Tucson, 721.5 Points

(See the scorecard, the Monroney sticker or research the 2012 Hyundai Tucson)

What they liked: Clearly, all of the judges enjoyed how much they got for 25 grand. "Great value," Geiger said. "At this price point, we were able to get some pretty nice features: heated leather seats, a power driver's seat, hill descent control and satellite radio." "The price starts under 20 grand, and by the time you get to 25, you've got a ton of features for not a lot of price," Robinson added. "Amazingly well-dressed for the price," Meier noted. "It delivers on Hyundai's reputation for value for your bucks."
Using those features was a little easier for Thomas in the Tucson: "Give me the Tucson's straightforward tech over the Mazda's touch-screen any day. Scrolling through iPod playlists, synching your phone and making calls was intuitive and natural."
Of course, part of the equation is the driving. "The Tucson springs away from stoplights and has decent passing power," Jackson said. "Handling was top-notch in the Tucson," Thomas said. "It was one of the few crossovers that I could take at full speed through tight turns. For the family, with its 11-year-old SUV, the SUVs in this Shootout were revelations, and the Tucson was no exception.
"This one and the Mazda never would have made it" onto their shopping list. "This really feels beautiful," Nick said. "I'm really surprised by this car," Erin added. The heated leather seats were something "we didn't think we could get at this price," Erin said.

What they didn't: Where the family saw beauty in the Tucson's design, Robinson saw "ugly exterior styling." Many of the experts' complaints revolved around a slew of issues.
"Some of the controls feel cheep and light," Jackson said. "Road noise and tire roar in the Tucson are hard to ignore, making it one of the loudest SUVs in the class," Geiger said. "There's no hiding the fact the cargo area is small," Thomas said, a view that Robinson shared. Thomas continued: "It's too small for my family dog — let alone what we pack for a road trip — and it has a really high load-in height." For Meier, the "lack of visibility at the rear corners makes you see the value of backup and blind spot warning systems."

The verdict: "The Tucson remains an excellent option in the class," Thomas notes, "but the class has gotten much tougher very quickly."
Key Features

• EPA-estimated 22/32 mpg city/highway; we observed 27.6 mpg.
• Heated leather seats (only vehicle tested with feature)
• Most-expensive vehicle of the Shootout
• 55.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space; 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (the smallest cargo area behind the second row amongst the competitors)
• Roof rack
• Five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (tied with Kia for the longest warranty)
• Power driver's seat
• Satellite radio
• IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012

2012 Hyundai Tucson Payment Facts
MSRP with destination fee: $25,820
Monthly payment: $531.10*
Difference from cheapest car: $51.94 a month
Find a 2012 Hyundai Tucson near you

No. 4 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 740 Points

(See the scorecard, the Monroney sticker or research the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox)

What they liked: "Being the biggest one in the group, obviously there's lots of cargo space, but even more importantly, there's lots of small-item storage up front as well," Robinson noted. "The interior has an 'almost-premium' feel."
Jackson, a triathlete, picked up on that the Equinox "was the only SUV where I felt I could take a road trip in the second row thanks to the sliding rear seats.There's a huge second row and a large cargo area, too; most SUVs in this class make you choose one or the other." Meier called that sliding second row a "why can't do they do it all?" feature.
For Geiger, the Latch anchors were a winning point for the Equinox. "They rank among the best I've ever used. They're completely exposed and have lots of clearance around them — hooking up a child-safety seat is a breeze."

What they didn't: The driving experience lagged its competitors. "This powertrain needs to go to finishing school," Geiger said. "It's slow, loud and the transmission's shifts are clunky and oddly timed." Robinson concurred: "The engine, while adequate in power, has a very rough feel to it." The family had a hard time with the concept of an Eco button. "When would you use that?" they asked. The idea that the transmission adjusted electronically for better fuel economy didn't impress them.
It wasn't all about the engine, though. "On the highway the Chevy was definitely the loudest of the six with lots of road noise," Thomas said. "The seats did not provide enough support, especially for my thighs," Jackson found. And the stereo sent Meier off on a mini-rant. "The Equinox had an unexpectedly good audio with subwoofer at this price — and then there's no USB port for your iPod! Chevy should fire the bean counter whose cost-cutting will turn off those younger buyers you could have wooed with the good sound," he said. "Worse, putting a white plate in the black console reminds you where the USB would have been if you'd just paid more."

The verdict: "The Equinox is bigger than the rest of these SUVs, so it's very roomy inside, and it has one of the best rides of the group," Robinson said. "It's a great overall package that could just use a little more refinement in the powertrain."
Key Features

• EPA-estimated 22/32 mpg city/highway; we observed 27.1 mpg combined (the lowest mpg tested)
• 63.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space; 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats
• IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012
• Power height adjustment for driver's seat
• Sliding, reclining second-row seat

2012 Chevy Equinox Payment Facts
MSRP with destination fee: $24,355
Monthly payment: $500.97*
Difference from cheapest car: $21.81 a month
Find a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox near you

No. 3 2012 Kia Sportage, 774 Points

(See the scorecard, the Monroney sticker or research the 2012 Kia Sportage)

What they liked: "Getting a full navigation system with an upgraded stereo at a price in the middle of our range was a huge win for Kia," Thomas said. "Plus, the stereo sounded better than the rest, too."
Erin also liked the nav system: "It feels really high-end." That wasn't the only advantage. "The Sportage definitely has an attitude," Geiger said. "Its exterior styling breaks the compact-SUV mold; it's the edgiest-looking one of the bunch.  It also gets some brownie points in the storage department. A deep center console, coupled with under-floor storage with separate bins in the cargo area, mean there are plenty of places to stash stuff."
"The Sportage has the crisp handling of the mechanically similar Hyundai Tucson," Meier said, "but its good ride and quiet interior are amazingly better than its stablemate." Jackson also liked its "immediate engine response," and the family raved about its spaciousness. "It's really roomy," Nick said after feeling cramped in the Tucson.

What they didn't: While some experts liked the aggressive styling, "that stylish high belt line may make shorter folks claustrophobic," Meier said, "and they sure won't be resting an elbow on the window sill." He also pointed out that the rakish roof leads to "very limited rear sightlines, and that means you'll need that backup camera and you'll wish for a blind spot alert system."
For Robinson, "the interior quality doesn't seem on par with most recent Kias." "Like the Tucson, the cargo area is too small with a very high load floor," Thomas said. 
And that nav system that everyone raved about? "You've got a great nav system and you install it at an angle leaning backward toward the windshield? That leads to a lot of glare, and when it's sunny out, it is very hard to read the screen," Thomas said.

The verdict: "The sticker price and features wowed me, the family and likely other shoppers. If cargo space isn't a concern, the Sportage will be hard to ignore, Thomas said.
Key Features

• EPA-estimated 22/32 mpg city/highway; we observed 28.5 mpg combined
• Navigation system (only one equipped as-tested)
• 54.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo space; 26.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (least amount of maximum cargo space in Shootout)
• Heated side mirrors
• Cooling glove box (Only vehicle tested with feature)
• Backup camera
• 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (tied with Hyundai for longest warranty)
• Satellite radio
• IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012

2012 Kia Sportage Payment Facts
MSRP with destination fee: $24,575
Monthly payment: $505.49*
Difference from cheapest car: $26.33 a month
Find a 2012 Kia Sportage near you

No. 2 2013 Mazda CX-5, 784 Points

(See the scorecard, the Monroney sticker or research the 2013 Mazda CX-5)

What they liked: The CX-5 is the first Mazda to shed the “big grin” design language the automaker has been using for the last five years.
“More than one person has described the CX-5 as ‘cute,’ ” Jackson said, even though this is the first Mazda to shed the “big grin” design language the automaker had been using for the last five years. “The interior has the richest look of any in our test,” he continued. “I kept thinking that we had to be in a model that didn’t meet our price level; it looked so nice.” But meet our price limit it did, a feat that Geiger also praised. “Low base prices and high fuel economy mean this car should appeal to penny-pinchers, and lots of features for the price (blind spot warning, backup camera and powerdriver seat) mean they’re getting a good value,” she said.

“I really like it,” Erin said about the interior. “It’s really streamlined but in a good way,” she said. Meier praised the “airy, spacious feel inside with classy trim and seat cloth and the straightforward gauges and controls,” he said. “You expect classy interiors from Mazda and CX-5 doesn't disappoint.”

Beyond that, Geiger favored the second row. “The backseat folds in a 40/20/40 split, which is useful for hauling different combinations of people and cargo. The seats also fold flat with ease, thanks to three cargo-area handles.” One of the reasons the CX-5 scored so high was its outstanding fuel economy. It was more than 2 mpg ahead of its closest competitor.

What they didn't: Part of that great fuel economy was because of, shall we say, reserved acceleration. Looking at the judges' scores, this category likely kept it from the top spot. "The CX-5's 2.0-liter engine has adequate pep from a stop, but it's on the loud side and takes awhile to gather steam," Geiger noted. "That famed Zoom-Zoom wasn't there in the handling department," Thomas said. "While it topped the CR-V and Equinox in that regard, the Escape, Tucson and Sportage all out-cornered it." Worse, Meier said: "The engine's thin power undercuts confidence in demanding situations."
The CX-5's new stereo setup also raised ire. "The info screen looks outdated, and there's a navigation button even though there's no [factory installed] nav," Robinson said.
Compared to the others in the Shootout, the CX-5's Latch anchors weren't super accessible. There wasn't a lot of clearance around the anchors, so the car seat's Latch connector has to be jammed in for it to hook on.
One big point of contention: the clock. The family and a couple of judges could not understand why the clock was placed where it was, and while they all liked the look and layout of the dashboard, they thought the air-conditioning controls and the clock felt as if they were out of a different time period than the rest of the car. "It looks basic, basic, basic," Erin said. She also thought the center armrest was "unusably too low; actually, it's too far back and too low." Husband Nick was not as wowed as the expert judges. "I hate it. I don't know why!"

The verdict: "Mazda really needs the CX-5 to be a winner, and it's poised to be," Geiger said. "The CX-5 should appeal to a wide audience with eye-catching styling, a quality interior, plenty of convenience features and excellent-for-the-class fuel economy."
Key Features

• EPA-estimated 26/32 mpg city/highway; we observed 32.8 mpg combined (highest mpg tested)
• 65.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space; 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats
• Power driver's seat 
• 5.8-inch color LCD display with backup camera
• HD Radio and satellite radio
• Blind spot warning system (only vehicle tested with feature)
• IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012

2013 Mazda CX-5 Payment Facts
MSRP with destination fee: $24,690
Monthly payment: $507.86*
Difference from cheapest car: $28.70 a month
Find a 2013 Mazda CX-5 near you
And the winner is...

No. 1 2012 Honda CR-V, 809 Points

(See the scorecard, the Monroney sticker or research the 2012 Honda CR-V)

What they liked: Perhaps the greatest compliment to be paid to our winner is that everything that came in our tester was standard for the trim level, and the combination of those features really pleased our judges.
"Even just equipped with the standard tech features, the CR-V shined," Thomas said. "The Bluetooth and USB integration works well with a vibrant color display that's easy to read, and the stereo was one of my favorites." "The CR-V is loaded with convenience features that come standard," Geiger said. "Three of my favorites are the always-helpful backup camera, the cavernous center console box and the easy fold-flat seats with cargo-area release handles. Bonus: This was the only vehicle with a sunroof at this price point." Robinson loved the "great ergonomics and the CR-V's best interior layout."
Perhaps betraying that they haven't been in the market since 2001, Erin and Nick were "totally amazed" by the conversation mirror (most commonly found in minivans) that lets parents check up on kids in the second row. "Mason, look! Mom can see you!" But that wasn't the only thing they liked about the Honda.
They had barely begun their test drive when Erin exclaimed, "It drives like a dream." She also liked the CR-V's size: "This just feels like a car, and the Chevy feels big," she said, with "big" referring to a larger SUV.

What they didn't: The CR-V is one of the totally redesigned SUVs in this contest, but not everyone thought the Honda had improved on its looks. "The rear styling is pretty bad," Jackson said. "It's got the biggest butt of any of the SUVs here. Actually, the front styling ain't so hot, either."
But it's not all about looks. "Handling is where the CR-V showed some chinks in the armor," Thomas said. "When taking corners, driver and passengers leaned more in the Honda than the other contenders." Geiger also had some issues with the driving. "Eco mode is a double-edged sword: I appreciate the potential fuel savings, but the system alters the throttle response and delays shifts points so the CR-V seems lazy," she said.
While many praised the features included in the price tag, Robinson said the CR-V "still trails many others in technological and convenience features such as blind spot monitoring systems, push-button start, etc." Finally, Thomas was bugged by one little annoyance: "Considering how many great cubbies there are around the cabin, I would really like a better place to put my smartphone."

The verdict: "The Honda CR-V is one of the most well-rounded vehicles in this segment. It's a comfortable cruiser with a solid powertrain, a compliant ride and plenty of features," Geiger said. "The brand's history of strong reliability helps tip the scale."
Key Features

• EPA-estimated 23/31 mpg city/highway; we observed 30.3 mpg combined (the second best mpg tested)
• 70.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space; 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (largest cargo area in competition)
• Second-most expensive vehicle of the comparison test
• Sunroof (only vehicle tested with feature)
• Backup camera
• Pandora Internet radio (only vehicle tested with feature)
• IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012

2012 Honda CR-V Payment Facts
MSRP with destination fee: $25,425
Monthly payment: $522.98*
Difference from cheapest car: $43.82 a month
Find a 2012 Honda CR-V near you

*Monthly payment assumes good credit, no money down, 60-month loan, 5% interest and 9% sales tax.
Source;
http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/Story.jsp?referer=&year=New&section=SUV&story=25ksuvShootoutresult&subject=stories

TrueCar.com Identifies 10 Most Popular Cars for Moms (Honda CRV Tops!)

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Just in time for Mother's Day, TrueCar.com, the authoritative voice in new car pricing and industry trend information, has identified the 10 Most Popular Cars for Moms. Based on 2011 data received from women with children about the cars they drive, the findings place the Honda CR-V at the top of the list, followed by the Nissan Altima, Honda Odyssey, Subaru Outback, and Honda Pilot.

"The data shows moms prefer vehicles that combine practicality with style," said Kristen Andersson, Senior Analyst at TrueCar.com. "Bigger is not always better when it comes to moms' favorite vehicles as evidenced by the lack of any Large SUVs and only one minivan in the overall top ten."

Some of the key findings of the data include:

Honda has five vehicles in the top 10 most popular cars for moms, including the CR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, Accord, and Civic.

Nissan has three vehicles in the top 10 most popular cars for moms, including the Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Odyssey ranked the highest among moms with two or more kids, thanks to its ability to hold up to eight people as well as 38.4 cubic-feet of cargo. The Honda Pilot, which ranked fifth overall, came in second place among moms with two or more kids, also attributable to its ability to carry up to eight passengers and 18 cubic feet of cargo.

With manufacturer's suggested retail pricing of $37,855 and $40,200, the Honda Odyssey and Pilot are the two most expensive vehicles on the list.

The two least expensive vehicles on the list were the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra small sedans, with MSRPs of $21,445 and $19,140, making them favorites among small families with small budgets.

Only one minivan made the overall top 10, showing that most moms still prefer to drive a sedan or SUV. However, three minivans -- the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Chrysler Town & Country -- ranked among the top five most popular vehicles for moms with three or more children. 

Source;

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/truecarcom-identifies-10-most-popular-cars-for-moms-2012-05-10

2012 Honda CR-V review from Consumer Reports (Beats out Mazda CX5)

 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HONDA CR-V NARROWLY OUTPOINTS MAZDA CX-5 IN CONSUMER REPORTS' SMALL SUV TESTS

 Pricey Mercedes-Benz ML 350 and BMW X5 midsize SUVs improve, but fall short of class leaders

YONKERS, NY- With its large back seat, easy access and ample cargo space, the family-friendly Honda CR-V narrowly topped the Mazda CX-5 in Consumer Reports' latest head-to-head small SUVs tests.

On paper, the redesigned CR-V and new CX-5 appear very similar. Both can accommodate five passengers, have comparable dimensions, are available with front- or all-wheel drive, and are priced about the same. They also finished very close in CR's overall road-test scores-with a 77 and a 75, respectively-just under the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester.
"While their overall scores were close, these two small SUVs have very distinct characteristics that will probably appeal to different types of drivers" said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. Consumer Reports found that the CR-V EX (tested price $26,455) is a more family-friendly SUV, with a large backseat, easy access, lots of cargo space, and a comfortable ride. It is also notably quicker and more responsive than the CX-5, with a refined drivetrain. On the downside, the CR-V suffers from pronounced road noise, sizable rear blind spots, and subpar at-the-limit handling. Overall, CR's testers found the CR-V is functional and easy to live with, if not particularly exciting to drive. The CX-5 Touring (tested price $27,125) is more athletic and engaging to drive, thanks to its agile handling, taut cornering, and responsive steering. It's more at home on a twisty road and is more likely to satisfy enthusiast drivers. The CX-5 also delivers the best fuel economy in its class-25 mpg overall-thanks to Mazda's new Skyactiv technology. The mid-level Touring version came well equipped with a full-power seat, keyless ignition and a blind-spot monitoring system. But the CX-5's trade-offs include a smaller, noisier cabin; a choppy ride on the highway; and slower acceleration. The full report on Consumer Reports' latest small SUV tests will be available on www.ConsumerReports.org April 26 and in the June issue of Consumer Reports on newsstands May 8th. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to Website for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information. Check out CR's ongoing Twitter feed at @CRCars The Mercedes-Benz ML350and BMW X5 luxury SUVs were also tested against each other, as well as two small hatchbacks, the Subaru Impreza and Kia Rio. Only the CR-V is Recommended by Consumer Reports. Although the CX-5 scored well enough, it's still too new for CR to have reliability information. To be Recommended, a vehicle must perform well in CR's battery of tests, have average or better reliability in CR's Annual Auto Survey and perform well in government and industry crash tests. Helped by an impressively quiet and luxurious cabin, the redesigned Mercedes-Benz ML350 beat the sportier, updated BMW X5 in a match between the two German luxury SUVs. The new ML jumped seven points in Consumer Reports' Ratings over the previous generation, with a Very Good overall road-test score. It's more fuel efficient, quicker, and quieter than the previous model. The transmission and controls are also improved. With a turbocharged six-cylinder base engine that's quicker and more fuel-efficient than the previous one, the X5 also achieved a Very Good score. But its choppy ride and overly heavy steering did not improve. The X5's tested price of $62,675 is almost $6,000 more than the comparably equipped $56,960 ML. In everyday driving, both the ML and X5 exhibited good handling, with little body lean. The ML's steering is responsive but a touch vague. The more agile X5 holds the edge in handling and steering, but its steering feels heavy in low-speed situations such as when parking. At its handling limits, the X5 was capable and controlled; the ML350 was considerably less capable, with lower limits. Both vehicles rank mid-pack in this category, below the less expensive Acura MDX ($46,715) and Lexus RX 350 ($47,381). Although the SUVs scored well enough in CR's tests, neither model is Recommended because the ML350 is too new for Consumer Reports to have reliability data and the turbo X5 has had below-average reliability. Consumer Reports also recently tested the Subaru Impreza Hatchback and Kia Soul. The all-wheel-drive Impreza ($22,345), which was redesigned for 2012, has a smooth, comfortable ride, while the Soul ($19,270) can be unpleasantly stiff. Although the Soul is notably quicker thanks to recent engine tweaks and a new six-speed automatic transmission, performance is marred by much longer braking distances. In some ways, the two cars are very alike, providing easy access, simple controls, similar cargo room and turning circles, and the same commendable fuel economy of 26 mpg overall. Each also suffers from a noisy cabin. The Impreza's overall road-test score places it second in Consumer Reports' small-hatchback Ratings, behind the Volkswagen Golf. The less-refined Soul scored lower, but Consumer Reports found it to be a good value. Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

Honda Reveals Images of the European CR-V Prototype

Honda has revealed images of the European CR-V Prototype ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 6 March 2012.

This preview model highlights the exterior styling direction of the all-new fourth generation European Honda CR-V, which is set to go on sale in Autumn 2012.

Compared to the previous generation, this Prototype adopts a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

The Honda Press Conference will take place at 09.15 CET on Tuesday 6 March.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,2183-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

2012 Honda Odyssey and CR-V Win ALG Canadian Residual Value Awards

Fourth-annual ALG awards honour 2012 vehicles that demonstrate ability to hold value in Canadian market

MARKHAM, ON, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Two of Honda Canada's most popular vehicles have received Canadian Residual Value Awards from automotive insights company ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values. The 2012 Honda Odyssey won in the MPV category while the 2012 Honda CR-V, Canada's top-selling import SUV, won in the Compact Utility category.

"These awards are a testament to the quality and reliability that customers have come to expect from Honda," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc. "Odyssey and CR-V play very important roles in the lives of many Canadians and these awards should reassure our customers of the investment they are making when choosing Honda."

About the ALG Residual Awards
The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that demonstrate the ability to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period. Awards are given in 19 vehicle categories and two brand categories (mainstream and luxury). This year's awards are based on 2012 model year vehicles.

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance, industry trends, and economic conditions. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies remain the key factors that impact ALG's residual value forecasts.

About the 2012 Honda Odyssey
Ample space, dramatic exterior styling and engaging driving experience are among the well-deserved impressions people get from Honda's eight-passenger, luxurious family-mover that continues to be a class leader in fuel efficiency and safety. For a family on the go, Honda's Odyssey is the ultimate recreation room on wheels.

"Honda has kept incentives and fleet penetration to a minimum on the Odyssey, which is a rolling showcase of emerging technology and smart packaging," said Geoff Helby, Canada Regional Director for ALG. "Always versatile, the Odyssey can transform from upscale family transporter to voluminous cargo carrier in a matter of seconds."

The Odyssey is unsurpassed for safety with an extensive list of safety equipment including the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure - a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Combining that with a 248 horsepower, i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management for enhanced fuel efficiency, and the highest estimated highway fuel economy in its class, the Odyssey balances power, fuel efficiency, safety and fun.

About the 2012 Honda CR-V
All new for 2012, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V embraces a sophisticated styling direction in conjunction with improved interior comfort, improved fuel economy, a smoother and quieter ride, and more innovative features as part of a 'total package' approach. Long established as the benchmark vehicle in its class with high levels of quality, refinement and value, the 2012 CR-V is designed to exceed customer expectations in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with increased value resulting from lower MSRPs across the entire CR-V lineup and added content.

"With improved styling and feature-rich content, the redesigned CR-V provides a strong value proposition for consumers," said Geoff Helby, Canada Regional Director for ALG. "In a hyper-competitive segment, adding competitive features and drivetrain to an already class-leading vehicle and the strength of the Honda brand deliver great value for consumers."

All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition, a new ECON operating mode increases the potential for drivers to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency when the system is activated. The 2012 Honda CR-V is built at Honda's assembly plant in Alliston, Ontario.

About Honda Canada
Honda Canada Inc. was founded in 1969 and currently employs approximately 4,700 associates in addition to more than 15,000 dealership personnel across the country. Honda Canada has built close to 6 million cars and trucks since 1986. Honda's two vehicle assembly plants in Alliston, Ontario, produce Honda CR-V, the Civic Coupe, Sedan and Si models, and the Acura MDX and ZDX. An adjacent engine plant produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines for Civic. All three plants have achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status. Honda Canada has invested more than $2.6 billion in Canada, and annually sources nearly $1.1 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers.

About ALG
(www.alg.com)Based in Santa Barbara, California, ALG is the industry standard for residual values and a leading provider of insights and consulting services to the automotive industry. ALG publishes the Automotive Lease Guide - the benchmark for residual value expectations in North America, and has been forecasting automotive residual values for nearly 50 years in both the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Image with caption: "Geoff Helby, Canada Regional Director, ALG, presents the 2012 Residual Value Award for the Honda Odyssey to Jerry Chenkin, Executive Vice President, Honda Canada Inc., at the Canadian International Auto Show. (CNW Group/Honda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120216_C4893_PHOTO_EN_10212.jpg

Source;
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/589146

Honda Aims to Reclaim Its Luster

By NICK BUNKLEY

DETROIT — When everything seems to be going wrong, hire Jerry Seinfeld, bring back Ferris Bueller and pray. And even then things might not improve all that much.

That’s the predicament for Honda as it tries to recover from its troubles in the past year, when a series of natural disasters in Asia caused sales to plunge, and an important model, the revamped Civic, got such a poor reception that the company rushed to make changes.

Honda’s chief executive, Takanobu Ito, was so fearful that the company might be “jinxed” that he spent New Year’s Day at a Japanese shrine in the hope of eliminating the “bad omens,” he said recently. In commercials for Honda shown during the Super Bowl, Mr. Seinfeld is desperate to get the first Acura NSX, a concept car not coming to market for several years, and Matthew Broderick plays himself, taking a Bueller-like day off away from the movie set and giving a shout-out to the Honda CR-V.

The two ads were highly rated by viewers, and Honda is off to a better start in 2012, breaking a string of eight consecutive monthly sales declines in the United States with an 8.8 percent increase in January. But analysts do not foresee a smooth road back for the carmaker, whose market share dropped to 9 percent last year, the lowest level since 2005. Its share was 10.6 percent in 2010.

On Monday, Moody’s Investors Service cut Honda’s credit-rating outlook to negative from stable, citing “significant challenges” for Honda and doubts about how much market share the company can regain even after dealer inventories are back to full strength. “Although Honda still has a good reputation, the competition in the auto market is getting tougher because its rivals have improved their product quality and brand acceptance in the last several years,” Tadashi Usui, a vice president with Moody’s Investors Service in Tokyo, said in a report.

Honda executives, while projecting a 60 percent drop in net profits for the fiscal year that ends in March, have expressed confidence that the company is on the brink of a significant rebound. One goal is a 25 percent sales increase in the United States this year, helped by a redesigned CR-V crossover vehicle and several new models for its upscale Acura brand.

Honda unveiled the production versions of the Acuras, the RDX crossover and ILX compact car, this week at the Chicago auto show. They are part of a major push to expand Acura, whose sales last year suffered even more than the mainstream Honda brand. Honda executives have said they hope to sell 180,000 Acuras this year, which would represent a 46 percent increase. Still, the NSX featured in the Super Bowl ad is not scheduled to go on sale for about three years, and with a price expected to top $100,000, it will not be a very high-volume car.

“In order to grow, the product offering that they have needs to be more compelling,” said Rebecca Lindland, an analyst with the research firm IHS Automotive.

Honda was hit harder than other automakers by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan last March. Its factories in Japan, North America and elsewhere were forced to stop or slow production for months because of parts shortages, and dealerships across the United States sold out of some popular models as a result.

A rival, Nissan, even ran a commercial showing a loaded Nissan car carrier passing an idle Honda dealer in an empty lot.

Honda was just beginning to recover from the tsunami when severe flooding in Thailand compounded the shortages. Executives say dealers should finally be back to normal inventory by the end of March, putting the company back on a level playing field with its rivals for the first time in nearly a year.

Honda’s inventories grew 38 percent from December to January.

“Last year we had a big handicap,” Tetsuo Iwamura, the chief executive of American Honda, said last month in Detroit, adding that 2012 “is the year that we will be able to show how Honda is competitive in the marketplace.”

Besides running plants on overtime to compensate for the lost production last year, Honda has worked to get vehicles to dealerships faster. By altering how it assembles shipments of various models and making other changes to its logistics operations, deliveries to crucial markets like Chicago and Houston occurred up to 15 percent faster, a Honda spokesman, Edward K. Miller, said.

“We thought we were efficient, but we discovered a whole lot of room for improvement,” Mr. Miller said in an e-mail. “Delivery times shrank dramatically.”

Honda has said it might cost $650 million to rebuild a plant in Thailand that was underwater for several weeks last fall. The damage and lost production from the flooding and the Japanese tsunami combined with the high value of the yen to cut Honda’s third-quarter earnings by 41 percent.

The company now expects to earn about 215 billion yen ($2.8 billion) in the current fiscal year, down from 534 billion ($6.9 billion) a year earlier. Its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange are down 20 percent in the past year, though they have risen 20 percent so far in 2012
For decades, Honda had been on a relentless march upward in the auto industry, steadily expanding its market share by churning out ever-larger quantities of cars consistently rated as the most fuel-efficient and reliable in the country. Though it has never been able to catch its rival, Toyota, in size, Honda always seemed equally invincible as the two companies wrested control of the American passenger-car market from Detroit.

After introducing itself to American shoppers in the 1970s with cars including the Civic, Honda turned its Accord into the top-selling Japanese car in each year from 1982 through 1996; the Accord was the first Japanese nameplate to be the country’s most popular car over all in 1989.
In the fall, Honda plans to bring out a redesigned version of the Accord, still its top-selling vehicle. Much of Honda’s ability to regain market share depends on the Accord’s being successful, and the stakes are even higher after the Civic elicited many negative reviews last year.

In addition, the Accord will face stiffer competition than in the past from other midsize sedans. Besides the Toyota Camry, whose sales have surged since it was redesigned last year, the Accord will be up against new versions of the Ford Fusion, which was a breakout hit at the auto show in Detroit last month, and Chevrolet Malibu.

“There’s going to be a lot of noise in the market in that particular segment,” said Ms. Lindland, the IHS Automotive analyst. “They’ve got to have a significant home run in order to get people to notice.”

Most notably, the magazine Consumer Reports, which historically has given high marks to most Hondas, stopped recommending that consumers buy the Civic. It said the car now “feels insubstantial with a cheap interior” and falls short of the standards set by improved compact-car models from Chevrolet, Ford and Hyundai, among others.

Though Honda officials disputed the notion that the Civic is not competitive — and pointed out that its sales jumped 50 percent in January, making it the month’s top-selling compact — the carmaker is accelerating what is known as a “midcycle refresh” of the car.

Executives told dealers attending a national convention last weekend that the refreshed 2013 Civic will arrive around the same time as the Accord, a mere 18 months after its introduction, the trade publication Automotive News reported. Automakers typically wait at least three years after introducing a model before making substantial changes.

Source;
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/09/business/global/beleaguered-honda-hopes-the-fates-are-kinder-in-2012.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha25&pagewanted=print

Official 2012 Honda CR-V Game Day Commercial - "Matthew's Day Off" Extended Version

All-new 2012 Honda CR-V, Canada's top-selling import SUV, makes its debut at the Montreal International Auto Show

Honda extends its stylish, performance-oriented lineup with New Civic Si Coupe HFP and Remix 2.0 Civic and Accord
MONTREAL, Jan. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - At today's Montreal International Auto Show, Honda Canada unveiled the sporty, performance-oriented heart of its 2012 lineup by showcasing the newest edition to the Honda Factory Performance line-up, the Civic Si Coupe HFP. This vehicle was joined by the Remix Accord 2.0 and Remix Civic 2.0, two new after-market, tuned project vehicles that exemplify Honda's race-inspired DNA. Honda also highlighted the all-new 2012 CR-V, Canada's top import SUV, which is just now going on sale across Canada.

"The Honda CR-V has always set the bar in the compact SUV class and the all-new 2012 CR-V does so again with a bold striking style, improved fuel economy and more technology than ever before, including an all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system with Intelligent Control," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada.

"We are especially proud that the new 2012 CR-V will be built here in Canada, bringing the total of Canadian-built Honda vehicles in Canada to about 70 per cent of total sales."

For 2012, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V embraces a sophisticated styling direction in conjunction with improved interior comfort, improved fuel economy, a smoother and quieter ride, and more innovative features as part of a 'total package' approach. Long considered as a benchmark vehicle in its class with high levels of quality, refinement and value, the 2012 CR-V is designed to exceed customer expectations in Canada's compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with and added content providing up to $2,500 in value.

In dealerships now starting at just $25,990, the all-new Honda CR-V has its lowest starting price in more than a decade. Additional information, including photos, can be found at www.hondanews.ca

The All-New Civic Si Coupe HFP
For 2012, Honda is extending Honda Factory Performance program to include the 2012 Civic Si Coupe HFP. Joining the Accord HFP, which made its debut in 2011, the all-new Civic HFP will feature improved handling performance and more aggressive styling characteristics. The 2012 Civic Si Coupe HFP will go on sale this spring.

"After receiving positive feedback on our Accord HFP from this past year, we wanted to deliver a similar performance and styling direction to Canada's top-selling car," said Chenkin. "Civic Si Coupe HFP is perfect for the car enthusiast who wants a great car with a special, limited-edition look and feel - right off the lot!"

2012 Civic Si Coupe HFP Highlights:
-2.4 litre, DOHC i-VTEC® engine, 4-cylinder 16-valve with 201 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque
-Close-ratio 6 speed manual transmission
-18" HFP aluminum-alloy wheels with Michelin Super Sport Performance Tires
-HFP Suspension Package
-HFP side underbody, front bumper underbody and rear bumper underbody spoilers
-HFP exterior badging and interior floor mats
-Helical limited-slip differential
-Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with bilingual Voice Recognition
-Leather-wrapped steering wheel
-Sport seats with high-contrast stitching and embroidery
-360-watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with MP3/Windows Media® Audio playback capability and 7 speakers including subwoofer, USB, and XM Satellite Radio
-HandsFreeLink™-bilingual Bluetooth® wireless mobile phone interface

All-New Honda Remix 2.0 Civic and Remix 2.0 Accord
Honda has once again teamed up with Performance Auto & Sound Magazine (PASMAG) to push the limits of both performance and expressive design with Honda vehicles. This partnership was designed to connect Honda with its vast network of enthusiasts across the country, and demonstrate the tuning potential of Honda platforms. Beyond the unique exterior design scheme of the Remix 2.0 Accord and Civic, significant upgrades under the hood were added to back up their aggressive demeanour.

"These Remix cars are all about providing experts with an open canvas to do what Honda enthusiasts have always loved doing - taking a great Honda and personalizing it," said Chenkin.
Remix Civic Si Coupe OverviewThe philosophy behind the Civic Si Remix was to take an already sporty vehicle and showcase its aftermarket performance potential, including increasing the engine's output. To accomplish this, a full Race Turbo Kit (designed specifically for the Civic Si's 2.4L engine) and Borg Warner EFR 7163 Turbo have been installed, providing the Remix Civic Si Coupe an output boost to more than 400 horsepower.

To accentuate the car's new, more aggressive nature, the body has been treated with black trim to provide contrast with the stylish Frozen Grey paint and a carbon fibre hood has been added to reduce weight. The wheels were also upgraded to 19x8.5 Konig Avanti alloys.

Other modification highlights include:
-Full Honda Factory Performance (HFP) body kit
-HSD Coilovers
-Wilwood Engineering Superlite 6R Front Brakes
-Vibrant ™ Sports Exhaust
-Factory seats were replaced with red Sparco Chrono front seats, a Momo Race Evo shift knob and Momo Gotham Racing pedals for precise inputs
-Philips LED lighting installed throughout the cabin
-Addition of Kenwood's DNX6180 double-din Multimedia DVD Receiver with Navigation and Bluetooth.
-Impressive 6.1-inch touchscreen offers vivid image quality and an intuitive GUI.

Remix Accord V6 Coupe Overview
In 2011, Performance Auto & Sound Magazine (PASMAG) brought some of the Accord V6's performance potential to light through the Remix Accord - a vehicle that featured style and performance enhancements both inside and out. That vehicle created a lot of buzz and served as a reminder of Honda's performance core.

For 2012, Honda and PASMAG, along with its partners at International Automotive and Custom, are taking performance enhancement to an exciting new level with the Remix Accord 2.0.

With the 2012 Accord V6 already producing a very respectable 271 horsepower with its 3.5L V6, the challenge for PASMAG was to crank up the performance, and enhance the car's winning style at the same time. To do so, a CT Engineering Supercharger now pushes peak horsepower well north of 300. A Magnaflow stainless steel muffler and a custom stainless exhaust were also installed to allow the fumes to escape quickly and produce a throatier sound.

The focus then turned towards enhancing the Accord Coupe's muscular looks. The application of Matte Frozen Grey paint is accentuated with Black trim, creating a truly muscular and menacing appearance. Twenty-inch Vossen VVS-CV3 alloy wheels with a matte black machined finish were have been installed and then wrapped in Kumho rubber, with P245/30/20s up front and P275/30/20 in the rear.

Other modification highlights include:
-Full Honda Factory Performance (HFP) body kit
-Eurolite HID low-beams and Philips Crystal Vision Ultra-Bright high beams
-Rotora Front Brakes
-BC Racing Coilovers
-Leather seat covers in both the front and rear
-Race shift knobs and pedals
-Philips LED lighting installed throughout the cabin.
-JBL GTO1004 4-channel amp featuring variable electronic crossover and bass boost
-Bazooka BTA10100FHC 10-inch Amplified Basstube
-JBL P660C 6.5-inch 2-way component speaker systems and a set of JBL GTO628 6.5-inch speakers surround the occupants with sound.

Further information is available upon request or by visiting www.hondanews.ca

Source;
http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/904857/all-new-2012-honda-cr-v-canada-s-top-selling-import-suv-makes-its-debut-at-the-montreal-international-auto-show

2X New 2012 Honda CRV Commercials

Honda Canada announces 2012 CR-V pricing

With its new 2012 CR-V set to debut January 4 at dealerships, Honda Canada has released pricing for the popular-selling compact sport-ute.

Pricing will start at $25,990 for the CR-V LX (2WD), while the top-of-line, Canadian-exclusive Touring model with Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System and other features will be offered with a suggested retail price of $34,990.

As of the end of November, the CR-V is the third-best-selling compact SUV in the country with more than 23,000 units sold, behind the Ford Escape and Dodge Journey.

“The new CR-V represents excellent value for Canadian buyers of popular compact SUVs from top-of-class fuel economy to the largest cargo capacity of any vehicle in its segment,” says Jerry Chenkin, executive vice-president of Honda Canada. “The new … CR-V adds up to $2,500 in additional value in standard features and technologies compared to the outgoing model.

Honda also says that “as of early next year,” all CR-Vs sold in Canada will be built at its assembly plant in Alliston, Ont.

All fourth-generation CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque.

Source;
http://life.nationalpost.com/2011/12/19/honda-canada-announces-2012-cr-v-pricing/

Honda Prays for Disaster-Free U.S. Rebound Led by New Models

By Alan Ohnsman
Dec. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co. says replenished vehicle inventory and new Honda and Acura models planned for the next 24 months will spur a U.S. sales rebound next year after natural disasters dashed its 2011 goals.

Honda’s loss of some North American output in October and November due to parts shortages caused by floods in Thailand led to it being the only large automaker to post a U.S. sales decline last month as total sales jumped 14 percent. That came after six months of declines resulting from reduced auto inventory triggered by Japan’s March earthquake and tsunami.

“I’m going to the shrine to pray to avoid any more such disasters from Mother Nature,” Tetsuo Iwamura, Honda’s top North American executive, said in an interview on Dec. 2 in Las Vegas. “Next year, even starting this month, we’ll recover.”

Japan’s third-largest automaker counts on the U.S. for the largest portion of its global sales. Tight inventory and competition from Ford Motor Co., Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. and others cut Tokyo-based Honda’s U.S. sales 5.3 percent through November.

While Honda’s market share has fallen to 9 percent from 10.5 percent so far in 2011, combined share for South Korean affiliates Hyundai and Kia rose to 9 percent from 7.8 percent a year ago.

“It is a year to forget, and then push the reset button,” said Rebecca Lindland, an analyst with researcher IHS Automotive. “We’re now seeing heavy replacement demand, so there is a lot of sales opportunity out there.”

IHS Automotive estimates U.S. sales of new cars and trucks will rise to about 13.7 million units in 2012, from about 12.7 million this year, she said.

‘Outrageous’ Competition

“The competition is outrageous and it’s coming from every part of the market,” Lindland said. “Every year we say this is an incredibly competitive market, but this year we mean it.”

Honda’s immediate goal is to boost production of its new Civic compact and CR-V compact sport-utility vehicle that goes on sale this month, Iwamura said. The company starts December with about a 40-day supply of vehicles, he said.

“Unfortunately, our competitors didn’t show us any mercy,” Iwamura said. “They took as much market share from us as they could. That’s the reality of the market. You have to fight back.”

In 2012, the company releases a revamped Accord, Honda’s top-selling U.S. nameplate, and other models Iwamura declined to identify. “Fortunately, we are going to have lots more models in the next 24 months,” he said.

New Engines, Hybrids

Vehicles coming out next year will also begin powered by new four- and six-cylinder engines and transmissions Honda unveiled last week at the Tokyo Motor Show, claiming they will lead the industry in fuel efficiency.

The company also will add new hybrid models from next year that will boost its reputation for fuel-efficiency and advanced technology, he said.

“New models with good technology, yet very value-oriented pricing for the sake of competitiveness,” said Iwamura, 60. “That is our key for a successful year in 2012 and onwards.”

Sales of the new Civic, released this year, will continue to increase and haven’t really been hurt by some critical reviews, he said.

“In November, Civic was the number one selling compact vehicle,” Iwamura said. “Customers still believe in the Civic.”

The 2012 Civic failed to receive the “recommended” status from Consumer Reports magazine. The revamped model “ranks near the bottom of its category,” David Champion, senior director of the magazine’s auto test center, said in an Aug. 1 e-mailed statement.

Honda’s U.S. headquarters are based in Torrance, California. The company’s American depositary receipts rose 0.3 percent to $31.59 at 9:35 a.m. New York time.

Source;
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-05/honda-prays-for-disaster-free-u-s-rebound-led-by-new-models.html

Honda Launches 2012 CR-V Crossover in Japan, gets 2.0L and 2.4L Engines

Japanese buyers will be the first to receive the all-new fourth-generation CR-V, as Honda announced today that the 2012 CR-V would go on sale at dealerships across the country on December 2, approximately two week ahead of its U.S. launch that's slated for December 15 and almost a year before it reaches European showrooms next fall.

The new CR-V, which we first saw at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this month, will be offered in Japan in two flavors, the 20G and the 24G.

The base, front-wheel drive only 20G comes with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 150HP at 6,200rpm and 191Nm of peak torque at 4,300 rpm, linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

It returns a fuel economy of 14.4km/L (33.9 mpg US or 6.9lt/100km) on Japan's JC08 cycle and 15.4km/L (35.2 mpg US or 6.5 lt/100km) on the 10-15 driving cycle.

The 24G is available only with all-wheel drive and the larger 2.4-liter gasoline unit rated at 190HP at 7,000 rpm and 222Nm at 4,400 rpm, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Honda says that the 24G has a fuel efficiency of 11.6km/L (27.3 mpg US or 8.6 lt/100km) on the JC08 test cycle and 12.2km/L (28.7 mpg US or 8.2 lt/100km) on the 10-15.

The 2012 CR-V 20G come with a sticker price of 2,480,000 Yen (about US$31,900) while the all-wheel drive 24G costs 2,750,000 Yen (approx. US$35,350).

Honda said that it expects to sell around 18,000 CR-Vs annually in Japan.

Source;

http://www.carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/11/honda-launches-2012-cr-v-crossover-in.html

2012 Honda CR-V spied undisguised plus interior shot

New CR-V caught on its way for a debut at the Los Angeles motor show

These spy shots reveal the 2012 Honda CR-V undisguised ahead of its debut at the L.A. motor show next week.

Some of the shots show the new CR-V next to the current model which helps with the comparison. We even get a shot of its interior without disguise.

In this set of photos we get to see the three-bar grille of the production 2012 CR-V as well as its new dash, instrument cluster and center console with its large screen.

No word yet on engines but details should be made available next Wednesday November 16 when the 2012 Honda CR-V debuts to the media in Los Angeles.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/111111138138/2012-honda-cr-v-spied-undisguised-plus-interior-shot

Update #2: Impact of Thailand Flooding on Honda’s Automobile Operations in North America.

11/14/2011

CR-V to Begin Mass Production in Ohio

The all-new 2012 Honda CR-V will begin mass production in the U.S. on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio. As announced last week, CR-V will go on sale as scheduled in mid-December, despite ongoing production adjustments at Honda’s U.S. and Canadian plants brought about by the persistent flooding in Thailand.

Production Adjustments Continue

Due to continued flooding in Thailand, a number of Honda suppliers have been unable to maintain the supply of parts to Honda. As a result, Honda will continue managing the parts supply in North America by taking the following actions:

• Honda will continue temporary production adjustments at all six Honda auto plants in the U.S. and Canada.
• Auto production rates will vary from plant to plant, but some plants will produce at rates above the previously announced 50 percent of the original plan through Nov. 30.
• All plants in the U.S. and Canada are expected to produce at normal levels on Dec. 1 and 2. Production plans after Dec. 2 will be announced in the future.

In 2010, 87 percent of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in North America. While most of parts and materials used to produce these products are purchased from North American suppliers, a few critical electronic parts are sourced from Thailand and other regions of the world. Honda is working closely with its suppliers in Thailand and throughout its global network to reestablish the flow of parts for the products made in North America.

Honda remains focused on minimizing the impact to its associates and their families and plans no layoffs at any of its North American facilities. Non-production days will continue to be treated as "no pay, no penalty," meaning Honda associates can report to work, use a vacation day, or take the day off without compensation or penalty.

Honda deeply regrets any inconvenience this may cause to its customers.

Source;
Honda North America

Despite Thai floods, Honda tells dealers 2012 CR-V will launch on time

Automotive News reports that the 2012 Honda CR-V will, in fact, launch on schedule. Honda has reportedly told its dealers that the crossover will arrive on time despite initial concerns about the impact of Thai floods on the vehicle's production. Honda had originally cautioned that the vehicle may be delayed by several weeks due to a shortage of components produced in Thailand. That crisis has apparently been avoided.

The 2012 Civic wasn't so fortunate. Weather delays related to the tsunami and flood disasters in Japan resulted in a production shortage for the new compact that hampered the model's launch.

Even with the CR-V arriving on dealer lots as scheduled, Honda is still cutting back production to cope with component shortages. In a separate report, Automotive News says that the company is temporarily adjusting manufacturing at its six plants in the United States and Canada as a result of flooding in Thailand. Some of the facilities will operate at above the 50 percent capacity Honda originally forecasted when it became clear that the company's suppliers would be impacted by the weather. The slow-down is expected to stretch until November 25 in Canada and November 23 in the States.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/despite-thai-floods-honda-tells-dealers-2012-cr-v-will-launch-o/

Honda to cuts U.S. output after supply disruptions from Thailand, 2012 CR-V to be delayed

Honda announced today that it will reduce its output in the United States over the next few weeks because of fresh supply shortages caused by flooding in Thailand.

“As the flooding in Thailand continues, a number of Honda suppliers in Asia currently are unable to maintain parts production, which is disrupting the flow of parts to our production operations in North America,” Honda said in a statement. “To better manage the available parts supply in North America and globally, effective November 2, Honda will take the following actions:

-Honda will temporarily adjust automobile production at all six Honda auto plants in the U.S. and Canada. Currently, it is anticipated that this situation will require adjustments for the next several weeks.

-Auto production will be at approximately 50% of the original plan through Nov. 10. Subsequent adjustments will be announced as they are determined based on the parts supply situation.

-All Saturday overtime work will be canceled through November.

-A non-production day is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 11.

-The December on-sale date of the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V could potentially be delayed by several weeks (the thing we’re most concerned about). The on-sale date will be announced in the near future.

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/10/31/honda-to-cuts-u-s-output-after-supply-disruptions-from-thailand-2012-cr-v-to-be-delayed/

2012 Honda CR-V pops up on Honda Japan’s website (Interior Shots!)

Click on either picture to get a larger version!
Last month, the 2012 Honda CR-V Concept was revealed, and now, the first images of the production fourth-generation CR-V have come about – Honda’s Japanese website teases the new SUV, which is set to make its debut at next month’s LA Auto Show.

The production model – which you can get a wallpaper of on the website! – retains most of the styling direction as seen on the concept, though the front bumper on it looks more sedate and the wheels, while keeping to the five twin-spoke theme, also look less showy.


The site also has graphics that presents a peek into the all-new vehicle’s interior – there’s certainly more line flow present in the dash, and noticeable cues are a large screen housing the navigation/audio system on the centre stack, with another display console above it; the latter houses what looks very much like a digital interpretation of an analogue clock. Sizeable speedo too, by the looks of it!

Familiar cues have been retained – the climate control switchgear orientation and dash-mounted gearshift, for one, though gone is the void area between the centre console and dash, which was a great space for ladies to house their handbags (as I am told!); in its place it is a open storage unit where the cupholders also reside. Which means the slide-covered storage box just aft of it should be much more voluminous than the present CR-V’s. No tech details as of yet, but LA should take care of that.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2011/10/31/2012-honda-cr-v-pops-up-on-honda-japans-website/

Honda to Debut Two All-New Models at the Los Angeles Auto Show

10/24/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda will debut two all-new models, the 2012 CR-V and 2013 Fit EV, at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th at 1:05 pm PST. As one of the best-selling SUV's in the United States, the fourth-generation 2012 CR-V will showcase new exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy and added technology features. The all electric zero-emissions Fit EV concept vehicle debuted at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show and the production model will be revealed this year.

The Honda press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show can be viewed live via webcast at www.hondanews.com.

For high-resolution photos and media information on Honda's current product offerings, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-to-debut-two-all-new-models-at-the-los-angeles-auto-show

2012 Honda CRV Spyshots

Nice couple of snap shots of the upcoming CRV!

Source (via www.vtec.net);
http://www.leblogauto.com/2011/10/nos-lecteurs-ont-du-talent-loup-et-la-honda-cr-v.html

2012 Honda CR-V ready to drive in November

By Hawke Fracassa of Torque News
Honda has invited the auto press in Detroit to road test the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V sport-utility vehicle on Nov. 10 at the Baronette Renaissance Novi Hotel. Reporters from TorqueNews.com and others will be given an exclusive briefing and an opportunity to drive the 2012 model.

The Honda CR-V has consistently been the top-selling SUV in America. More than 140,000 CR-Vs have been sold in 2011.

Now completely transformed and heading into its fourth generation, the 2012 Honda CR-V is moving toward a more sophisticated direction with refreshed styling, improved fuel economy, innovative technology and even greater value for the money, Honda believes.

Honda wants auto critics to see for themselves "how Honda has made the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment even better."

Members of the 2012 CR-V R&D team and American Honda product planning executives will be at the briefing in the northwest Detroit suburb to explain the CR-V development story and provide insight into Honda's sales and marketing plans.

Driving begins for the first group of reporter drivers at 10 a.m. and the second wave will be on the streets of Novi near the hotel in Oakland County at 2:30 p.m. Reporters who go to the event will not be able to share their impressions with readers until Nov. 16 because of an embargo asked for by Honda.

The all-new 2012 CR-V will have a new look inside and out, a more fuel-efficient engine and will be lighter.

Honda's big sell is the CR'V's solid track record. From 2007-10 the CR-V was the best-selling SUV in America.

The current CR-V continues to sell at a record pace and quality of one of the reasons. The 2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study and has been sold globally in more than 160 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It is assembled in Ohio at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. The plant earned a Silver Award for outstanding quality in the quality study.

The 2012 model will be in showrooms by Christmas after making its official debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A concept model (pictured) made its world debut at the Orange County Internarional Auto Show in California.

Source;
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/restyled-2012-honda-cr-v-ready-drive-november