The hybrid version of the new generation of the Honda CR-V arrived in Bulgaria immediately after the launch of European model sales and can now be found in the showrooms of our dealership Bultrako Motors. Starting with BGN 63 990, VAT starts its prices in Bulgaria. The lowest level of equipment is the front-wheel-drive is Comfort and the highest – the Prestige – with four-wheel drive. For the two types of furniture – Style Plus and Premium, buyers will be able to choose between the two types of transmission.

In a first for a Honda SUV in Europe, the all-new Honda CR-V will be available with advanced hybrid powertrain technology. The hybrid system uses intelligent Multi Mode Drive technology (i-MMD) combining two electric motors, an Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, Lithium-ion battery and a fixed-gear transmission to deliver high levels of refinement, responsiveness and efficiency. It is available in both FWD and AWD formats.

Hybrid system controls

The drive selector controls for the new Honda CR-V Hybrid are positioned in the centre console, with a design that uses a compact switch-style transmission selector rather than a conventional lever. Drive, Park and Neutral functions require a button push, while Reverse requires a pull-up action. A bespoke ‘Sport’ mode, which can be activated via the drive selector, enables a more responsive throttle input for the hybrid system. If there is sufficient charge in the battery, a short-range pure EV mode is also available at the touch of a button, providing a zero-emissions range of around 2 km (1.2 miles) depending on the driving conditions and battery charge.

2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Driver Information Interface

Ahead of the steering wheel sits an all-new instrument binnacle, featuring a large full-colour 7-inch TFT-LCD Driver Information Interface (DII) central display, flanked by battery charge status and fuel-level gauges on the hybrid models.

The CR-V Hybrid’s DII includes a large digital speedometer and linear power gauge with a charge status indicator. Integrated into the lower half of the DII is a ‘content zone’, which the driver can scroll through to choose from a variety of information, including navigation instructions, audio track information, smartphone contacts, all-wheel-drive system status, and smart vehicle maintenance information. For CR-V Hybrid, it also features a graphic of the current power flow, indicating the vehicles power source and if the battery is being charged, and an ‘ECO Guide’ to suggest more efficient driving techniques In addition drivers can monitor their efficiency over time with a drive cycle score, earning points depicted by leaf icons in the display, increasing or decreasing as a different stage of fuel economy is achieved.

Honda Hybrid Performance brings new levels of refinement, responsiveness and efficiency

In a first for a Honda SUV in Europe, the all-new Honda CR-V is available with advanced hybrid powertrain technology. The Honda Hybrid Performance system is enabled by Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) technology, comprising two electric motors, a power control unit, an Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed gear transmission delivering high levels of refinement, responsiveness and efficiency.

The CR-V Hybrid is equipped with an efficient 2.0-litre i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, with peak power of 107 kW (145 PS) at 6,200 rpm, and a powerful 135 kW (184 PS) electric motor with torque of 315 Nm. The petrol-electric powertrain can propel the CR-V Hybrid from zero to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds in FWD guise, and in 9.2 seconds for the AWD model. The top speed of the hybrid is 180 km/h (112 mph).

The front-wheel drive CR-V Hybrid has achieved CO₂ emissions of 120 g/km (correlated NEDC*) , with official average fuel economy of 5.3 l/100km (53.3 mpg). The four-wheel drive CR-V Hybrid achieved CO₂emissions of 126 g/km (correlated NEDC*) and average fuel economy of 5.5 l/100km (51.4mpg). 

2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Intelligent driving modes

Honda’s unique i-MMD technology is so-named as it intelligently and automatically switches between three driving modes to provide the highest possible efficiency when driving. These modes comprise: EV Drive, where the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly; Hybrid Drive, where the engine supplies power to an electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor; and Engine Drive, where the engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch.

In most urban driving situations, the CR-V Hybrid will shuffle between Hybrid Drive and EV Drive for optimum efficiency. In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor. EV Drive permits pure-electric propulsion and gives the CR-V a zero-emissions range of around 2 km (1.2 miles) depending on the driving condition and battery charge. The Engine Drive mode is the most efficient set-up for cruising at higher speeds and it can be supplemented by an on-demand power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor to supplement engine torque under certain conditions.

2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Innovative fixed-gear transmission

Rather than using a conventional transmission, a single fixed-gear ratio creates a direct connection between moving components, resulting in a smoother transfer of torque. This format means Honda’s system is more compact than a planetary eCVT typically found in other hybrid vehicles, as well as being more refined.

Engineers on the CR-V Hybrid programme have worked hard to ensure that the transfer between power sources – including the engine stop-start function – is virtually imperceptible to the occupants. The smooth transfer of torque means there is no driveline shunt or undesirable feedback through the pedals or steering wheel, and the near-silent powertrain means the CR-V Hybrid boasts outstanding NVH management.

The fixed-gear format of Honda’s i-MMD system has been specifically tuned for the European market to provide a linear feel through acceleration, with optimised calibration between throttle input and powertrain response, to ensure the engine sound matches the driver’s expectations. In addition, the first application of Active Sound Control to CR-V also enriches the drivers experience delivering the natural sound of acceleration relative to the engine speed.

2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Deceleration Paddle Selector system

The CR-V Hybrid is equipped with a Deceleration Paddle Selector system, which allows the driver to adjust the car’s rate of deceleration using paddles behind the steering wheel. The default rate of deceleration, which is displayed on the 7-inch Driver Information Interface (DII), is indicated by a single chevron symbol. The number of chevrons displayed increases in line with the rate of deceleration, up to a maximum of four.

By pulling back the paddle on the left side of the steering wheel (indicated by a minus symbol), the rate of deceleration is increased. This action effectively slows down the car more quickly. By pulling back the paddle on the right side of the steering wheel (indicated by a plus symbol), the driver can decrease the rate of deceleration slowing down the car more gently. Regenerative braking is utilised throughout the deceleration stage.

In normal driving, manual adjustment to the rate of deceleration is temporary, and will automatically cancel when driving at a constant speed or accelerating. When the car is in Sport mode, the manually-selected rate of deceleration will be held until it is cancelled by the driver.