Honda RE4.I CR-V (2007-09)

Overview

Released in February 2007, the Honda RE4 Series I (RE4.I) CR-V was a five-door all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Ayutthaya, Thailand, the CR-V was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The CR-V range consisted of entry-level, Sport and Luxury variants; from 2009, however, only the unnamed, entry-level variant was available with a manual transmission.

K24Z engine

The 2.4-litre K24Z 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 RD7 CR-V , the RE4 CR-V was 15 mm shorter (at 4520 mm), 40 mm wider (1820 mm) and 30 mm lower (1680 mm), though its wheelbase was unchanged (2620 mm). Furthermore, the RE4 bodyshell achieved an 84 per cent increase in bending rigidity and a three per cent increase in torsional rigidity, partly through the increased use of high-strength steels. The RE4 CR-V also featured a conventional, upward-hinged tailgate which enabled the spare tyre to be repositioned under the rear floor.

Suspension

The RE4 CR-V had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Honda RE4.I CR-V specifications
	Engine	Years	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
CR-V	2.4-litre petrol I4	2007-09	5sp auto, 6sp man.	125 kW at 5800 rpm	218 Nm at 4200 rpm
CR-V Sport, CR-V Luxury	2.4-litre petrol I4	2007-08	5sp auto, 6sp man.	125 kW at 5800 rpm	218 Nm at 4200 rpm
CR-V Sport, CR-V Luxury	2.4-litre petrol I4	2009	5sp auto	125 kW at 5800 rpm	218 Nm at 4200 rpm

‘Real-Time’ AWD

Like its RD7.II predecessor, the RE4 CR-V was fitted with Honda’s ‘Real-Time’ all-wheel drive system which utilised a multi-plate clutch and a pair of hydraulic pumps (one drive by the front wheels and one driven by the rear wheels). In normal conditions, drive was directed to the front wheels. If the front wheels began to turn faster than the rear wheels, however, the difference in pressure between the two pumps would cause the clutch to be engaged, via a ball cam mechanism, and direct torque to the rear wheels.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the RE4.I CR-V included dual front airbags, front side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Sport and Luxury variants were also fitted with full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants).

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a CR-V with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and curtain airbags achieved a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.25 out of 37. However, this score included three points for seatbelt reminders – in Australia, only the driver’s seat had a seatbelt reminder, resulting in a two point deduction and a score of 31.25 from ANCAP . In the front offset test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver and structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to the knees and femurs of front occupants.

Features: CR-V, Sport and Luxury

Standard features for the entry-level CR-V included a four speaker sound system with CD player, MP3/WMA-compatibility and auxiliary input, air conditioning, cruise control, 40/20/40 split-fold backrest and 60/40 tumbling rear seat base, a multi-function steering wheel (cruise and audio controls), remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the CR-V Sport added 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, two-way power sunroof, ‘conversation mirror’ and double deck cargo shelf. The Luxury variant was further equipped with leather seats, heated front seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, reverse parking sensors and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2008 CR-V Extra Edition

In May 2008, a limited run Extra edition was released. Based on the entry-level CR-V, the Extra edition was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels (including a full-size spare), front fog lights and rear parking sensors.

2008 CR-V Special Edition

In November 2008, a limited run Special Edition was released. Compared to the standard CR-V, the Special Edition added 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, reverse parking sensors and roof racks.

Honda RE4.II CR-V (2010-12)