Honda CR-V Hybrid and Seven-Seat Models Debut in Geneva

The Honda CR-V is the world’s best-selling SUV, with 9 million sold since its debut in 1996. Those numbers should continue to climb as Honda rolled out two new variants at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The fifth-generation CR-V finally makes its debut in Europe with a two-motor hybrid leading the way. This long-awaited model is powered by Honda’s “Sport Hybrid intelligent multi-mode drive system.” In the CR-V, the i-MMD system uses Honda’s 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine, combined with one motor for propulsion and another acting as a motor/generator for electric power. This is the same powertrain that is in the new Accord Hybrid, Clarity PHEV, and soon-to-arrive new Insight. Since all of those vehicles are cleared for sale in the U.S., the CR-V’s biggest market, it makes sense that CR-V Hybrid will come to the States as well. What doesn’t look U.S.-bound is the seven-passenger variant of the CR-V that also debuted in Geneva.

Another vehicle cleared for sale in Europe and Japan is the production version of Honda’s smart-looking Urban EV concept, which debuted in Frankfurt last year. Honda of Europe president Phillip Ross announced that order banks for the vehicle will open in early 2019 and that units will go on sale late in 2019.  Ross said plans for production were supported by strong positive response to the slick, suicide-door’d concept. We like it too and hope Honda considers bringing in to the U.S.

Honda’s new Civic Type R holds the record for the fastest lap for a front-wheel-drive car around Germany’s famed Nürburgring, and this summer, the company will be trying to set lap records at a few more iconic circuits. The full details on Honda’s Civic Type R summer tour have yet to be released, but Honda did share the names of  the drivers for there record attempts: World Touring Car Championship drivers Tiago Montereo and Esteban Guerreri, Asian Super GT driver Betrand Baguette, and former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button.