Honda Makes Minor Model Changes to the CR-V with New Grades and FF Model

December 18, 1998, Japan

Automobile

Tokyo, December 18, 1998 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has made minor changes to the popular CR-V four-wheel drive, which combines the rugged grip of a 4WD with the comfort of a sedan. These include a variety of improvements to the interior and exterior styling on the Performa model (available with 4WD, 4AT or 5MT gearboxes), together with the introduction of a new Fullmark model. As well as a spare tire that is stored under the trunk floor, the new Fullmark features a classy urban profile - it is available with 4AT gearboxes either on 4WD or FF model. All the new models will go on sale at Honda Primo and Verno dealers nationwide from December 18.

CR-V Performa (D package)

CR-V Performa (D package)

CR-V Fullmark

CR-V Fullmark

Main changes:

Exterior styling:

  • Newly designed front and rear bumpers and front grille
  • New optional D package for Performa model: front/rear bumpers, side protection panels, side sill panels, door mirrors, outer door handle casings and hard-type spare tire cover are all body-colored

Interior styling:

  • New elegant seat upholstery with special leather-wound steering wheel
  • Optional rotating passenger seat (4AT model)
  • Optional next-generation Honda Car Navigation System: an integrated audiovisual unit complete with 6-inch screen, twin map function, full InterNavi compatibility, CD player, TV tuner and AM/FM cassette deck

Engine and transmission:

  • New more powerful 2-liter DOHC 16-valve engine with a maximum output of 150PS, representing increases in power of 20PS and 5PS, respectively, for the 4AT and 5MT models
  • Reductions in the amounts of exhaust pollutants produced ensure the models conform to new regulations laid down by 13 Japanese municipal authorities.
  • Overdrive switch and new column select lever (4AT model)

Safety features:

  • Omni-directional collision safety body construction designed for offset frontal collisions up to 64 km/h and side-impact collisions of up to 50 km/h.
  • Optional Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to minimize sudden direction changes - the first time Honda has fitted such a system to a 4WD vehicle. This system consists of 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) that stop wheel-lock during hard braking and a Traction Control System (TCS) which prevents wheel-slip during acceleration, as well as minimizes lateral slip during cornering.
  • Pretensioners fitted to both front seat belts
  • Dual SRS airbag system and 4-wheel ABS brakes are standard fittings

Main features of the new Fullmark model:

With a sophisticated urban exterior styling, luxurious interior and FF drive system, the Fullmark makes a valuable new addition to the CR-V series.

  • New FF model, in addition to 4WD, makes for a very smooth ride
  • Spare tire stored under trunk floor
  • Front/rear bumpers, rear license plate panel, side protection panels, side sill panels, door mirrors and outer door handle casings are all body-colored.
  • Built-in front bumper fog light and polished chrome front grille
  • Artificial wood grain center paneling and passenger seat armrest (except on models fitted with revolving passenger seat)

Principal factory options on both Performa and Fullmark models:

  • N package: Honda Navigation System + 4-speaker TV/audio system + printed antenna
  • D package (Performa): fully colored body + body-colored hard-type spare tire cover
  • L package (Performa): 4-speaker cassette deck + tinted glass + driver's seat height adjuster + collapsible power door mirrors
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
  • Revolving passenger seat

New trailer-compatible model also available:

A new CR-V Trailer Hitch Type model capable of being hitched up to a trailer (for example, for transporting a Jetski or other recreational equipment) will be introduced from January 18, 1999. All modifications are being handled by Honda Tokuso Co., Ltd.

Domestic monthly sales target:

3,000 units