Honda introduced its Acura RDX at the New York Auto Show earlier this month. Still under wraps, however, is the sister vehicle, the Honda CR-V, which will be built on the same platform. Now this latest spy photo captures a prototype CR-V closely following a prototype Acura RDX as they both undergo testing in Australia.
Overall size and shape of the two vehicles is quite similar, but there are numerous differences. Disguise on the side of the CR-V make it look to have side windows similar in shape to the RDX, but a closer look reveals that the side windows of the CR-V curve downward towards the rear, giving the windows a profile shape quite different from the RDX. Also note that the CR-V continues to have its taillights mounted vertically, running up the pillar on either side of the rear window, while the RDX has more traditional horizontal lights mounted across the tail just below the rear window.
One big difference from prior CR-V’s is that the spare tire is no longer mounted outside on the tail. This has allowed the new CR-V to have a true hatchback design instead of using a horizontal-swinging door. The prototype CR-V also has just one exhaust pipe at the tail, instead of the dual pipes of the RDX. The CR-V is expected to continue using a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine, but with the output upped slightly to 170 hp. It will not offer the turbocharged engine found in the RDX.
Inside, the CR-V will continue to have two rows of seats, with a capacity of 5 people. It will be slightly smaller in length and height than before, but a bit wider. The Honda CR-V is expected to be introduced in September as a 2007 model.
First photo is showing the new Honda CV-R and the Acura. Photo 2 is showing the Acura alone during a test drive in Australia.
