All New CR-V Wins MECOTY Award for Best Compact SUV

Honda’s All New CR-V won the award for the “Best Compact SUV” of 2015 at the renowned Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards. The awards were given at a gala ceremony which was held this year at Raffles, Wafi City Dubai on 29th October. The fourth generation 2015 CR-V which was launched in the region earlier this year offers a 4 grade line up including a 2WD with numerous new and standard features that make the model a more efficient, functional, and popular SUV. This improvement was reflected in sales as well with sales of the CR-V increasing by 11% in 2015 as compared to 2014 figures.

Although MECOTY is a relatively new entrant on the award scene as it is in its second edition, due to the expertise of the judging panel, which is drawn from the most respected automotive journalists in the Middle East, the award has become one of the most sought after accolades in the regional automotive industry.

Commenting on the win, Shunichi Uchida, Director of Honda Motors (Africa and Middle East) said “We are pleased to note our customers and automobile critics appreciated our globally accepted New CR-V which continues to be the largest selling SUV in the world. With MECOTY recognition I am confident we will enhance customers’ confidence for already popular CR-V further in this market.”

The CR-V has been adapted with many innovative features to make it more attractive for customers in the Middle East. The changes to the external design give it a smart yet tough appearance while the interiors have been thoroughly revamped for greater convenience, comfort and control.

The new CR-V has ample space for both passenger and storage of baggage in the trunk. Powered by a new Earth Dreams Technology™ direct-injected 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, the new CR-V has an output of 185 hp@6400 rpm and 245Nm torque @3900 rpm. The powerful new engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and these work in tandem to reduce frictional energy losses and provide a smooth drive. When it comes to fuel economy, the CR-V delivers a class leading 14.9Km/liter for the 2WD LX grade and 14.3Km/liter for the 4WD EX grade. The CR-V’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and its full range of air bags along with numerous passive safety features enhance occupant protection.