At the Shanghai Auto Show, Honda offered a look at the new CR-V Hybrid that will go on sale in China later this year. While Honda offered few facts about the gas/electric version of its popular compact crossover SUV, we know the powertrain is the same Honda Sport Hybrid i-MMD system used in the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid.
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The dual-motor i-MMD setup matches a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with a main traction motor that can drive the front wheels with or without help from the engine. A second, smaller motor connected to the engine replaces the conventional starter and also is used to generate electricity used by the primary motor. Teamed with a 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, Honda’s i-MMD system makes a collective 212 horsepower in Accord tune and earns that vehicle 49-mpg city/47-mpg highway EPA ratings. Like the Accord Hybrid, the new CR-V Hybrid will come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety/driver-assists, although whether it will come with an optional AWD system is still unanswered.
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Although Honda was less forthcoming about the status of the new CR-V Hybrid here in America, the automaker did reconfirm earlier statements that it definitely “plans to electrify core models in the future.” As Honda’s second-best selling vehicle in America, the CR-V definitely falls into that category. Honda also promised a new dedicated EV model created specifically for the Chinese market would go on sale there in 2018.
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2017 Honda Accord Hybrid First Review
