Honda RD7.I CR-V (2001-04)

Overview

Released in December 2001, the Honda RD7 Series I (RD7.I) CR-V was a compact all-wheel drive SUV (literally ‘Comfortable Runabout Vehicle’). Manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the RD7 CR-V was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, the latter with Grade Logic Control which would hold a lower gear when ascending hills and downshift when travelling downhill for engine braking assistance. Initially, the CR-V was offered in two variants: an unnamed, entry-level variant and ‘Sport’.

K24A1 engine

The 2.4-litre K24A1 engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and Honda’s i-VTEC system which consisted of:

Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) which could select from two camshaft profiles for low and high RPM operations; and,
Continuously variable timing of camshaft phasing on the intake camshaft (Variable Timing Control or VTC).

Dimensions and body

Compared to the RD1 CR-V , the RD7 CR-V was 15 mm longer (at 4535 mm), 30 mm wider (1750 mm) and 35 mm higher (1710 mm), though the wheelbase was unchanged (2620 mm). Furthermore, the new body achieved a 50 per cent increase in torsional rigidity and a 30 per cent increase in bending rigidity.

Suspension

The RD7 CR-V had MacPherson strut front suspension with toe control links and reactive-link double wishbone rear suspension.

Honda RD7.I CR-V specifications
Variants	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
[Unnamed], Sport	2.4-litre petrol I4	4sp auto, 5sp man.	118 kW at 6000 rpm	220 Nm at 3600 rpm

‘Real-Time’ AWD

The CR-V was fitted with Honda’s ‘Real-Time’ all-wheel drive system which utilized a dual hydraulic pump rear differential and four-wheel drive transfer case. In normal conditions, the CR-V was front wheel drive; as traction was lost, however, the engine’s torque was progressively directed to the rear wheels.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the RD7.I CR-V included dual front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners; the Sport variants were also fitted with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. From November 2002, however, ABS was standard across the range.

Euro NCAP crash and ANCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the RD7 CR-V – when fitted with dual front airbags and front side airbags – received a four star adult occupant safety rating with a score of 25.62. In the frontal offset impact test, protection of the driver’s chest and thighs were assessed as marginal, while head and lower leg protection were adequate. In an ANCAP side impact test on an Australian-delivered vehicle without side airbags, the CR-V received the maximum score of 16 points, resulting in an overall score of 26.62.

Features: CR-V and CR-V Sport

Standard features for the CR-V included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, 60/40 split rear seats with sliding and folding functions, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, front map lights, courtesy and cargo lights, two 12 volt power outlets and an immobiliser. The RD7 CR-V was also fitted with a two-way tailgate which had a flip-out glass hatch in the door.

Compared to the standard CR-V, the CR-V Sport added 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control for automatic models, front fog lamps, a power sunroof and hard spare wheel cover. Visually, the Sport variants could be identified by their body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and side protection strips.

2003 CR-V Winter Classic edition

In August 2003, limited run Winter Classic editions were released for the entry-level and Sport CR-V variants; these models were distinguished by their alloy wheels, side steps and tow bar.

Honda RD7.II CR-V (2004-06)