Officially 2010 Honda CR-V minorchange by Honda Europe

The long awaited Honda CR-V i-DTEC 2.2 diesel with DPF and optional of 5-speed automatic transmission was announced today, to go on sale from January 2010.

Looks are refreshed with a new front bumper and grille, revised rear bumper, and colour coded bumpers on EX grades. Newly-designed 17-inch (SE) and 18-inch (ES and EX) alloy wheels and upgraded fabrics and plastics inside, giving the CR-V interior an even more premium finish. A new audio console design has also been introduced, while improved sound deadening around the engine and cabin makes the CR-V an even quieter and more relaxing car to drive.

Revised CR-V will continue to be built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon, where British workers produce the SUV for over 60 countries.

Honda’s 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which debuted in the latest Accord in 2008, will be available in the new CR-V. The diesel produces 150PS at 4000rpm (up 10PS) and torque of 350Nm at 2000rpm (up 10Nm). It can be paired with either manual transmission or the new 5-speed automatic gearbox that has been manufactured in-house by Honda.

The smooth and refined diesel automatic transmission is available on all CR-V model grades from launch in 2010 and all engines in the CR-V line-up are designed to meet Euro 5 legislation.

On the outside, the new CR-V is treated to a distinctive new front bumper and grille, a revised rear bumper, and colour coded bumpers on the EX grade. There are also newly-designed 17-inch (for SE grade) and 18-inch (for ES and EX grades) alloy wheels and upgraded fabrics and plastics inside. Honda has also installed a new audio console design. The auto maker has also improved the sound deadening around the engine and cabin.

The SE grade comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cloth upholstery and power heated door mirrors, while the ES is further enhanced with 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, auto dimming mirror, cruise control, double deck cargo space, dual-zone air conditioning, electric folding mirrors and headlight washers, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights, half leather Alcantara heated seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob, unique interior inlay trims and USB connector for iPod connectivity.

The range topping EX grade gets an 8-way driver power seat and electric lumbar support, an alloy step garnish, HID Xenon headlights, full body coloured bumpers, full leather upholstery with heated front seats, panoramic glass roof, rain sensor and auto headlight on function, reverse tilt mirror, DVD satellite navigation with premium audio as well as a 6-CD changer and subwoofer.

Honda has added three new paint options for the new model, including Premium White Pearl, Urban Titanium and Alabaster Silver, over Crystal Black, Polished Metal, Sparkle Grey, Deep Bronze and Deep Sapphire Blue, as well as Milano Red (solid colour). Potential buyers can also walk home with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) that predicts collisions and warns the driver, before applying braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation becomes critical. Both features are optional on EX models. The 2010 Honda CR-V will go on sale in January 2010. Meanwhile, continue reading to view two high-res images of the new CR-V.