Back when Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) introduced the CR-V in 1997, the thought of having a diesel in the Honda lineup must have been the farthest thing from everyone’s minds. Honda’s VTEC engine technology was having a field day in the market, and it was difficult to reconcile its mechanical elegance with diesel’s noisy and sooty reputation.
2021 Honda CR-V Facelift First Look Philippines: Spicing up the working recipe
Fast forward to more than two decades later, the Honda CR-V is still holding its own in the compact crossover wars. Not only has the Japanese carmaker managed to integrate diesel technology to one of its mainstay offerings, but it has also turned the CR-V into a true family vehicle with seven seats.
Fancy having a CR-V for those drives around the city or out of town? We present several financing options for you to own one.
Honda CR-V S 2.0 CVT
The entry-level S is the only gasoline-powered variant in the lineup, with a 2.0-liter SOHC i-VTEC mill rated at 152 hp and 189 Nm of torque. A continuously variable transmission channels the engine’s output to spin the front wheels. Full LED headlamps surround the honeycomb mesh grille, along with body-color door handles and power-folding side mirrors. The corners are marked with 18-inch alloy wheels, contributing to its 198mm ground clearance.
The Philippine-spec Honda CR-V underwent a facelift last year
Interior amenities include seating for up to five occupants accompanied by 522 liters of space for cargo behind the rear bench. Front seats are manually adjustable, while dual-zone automatic climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The CR-V S 2.0 CVT carries a price of Php 1,678,000. Financing options include a downpayment of 20 percent or Php 335,600, which results in a monthly amortization of Php 46,930 for 36 months. Raising the downpayment to 30 percent or Php 503,400 and extending the contract to 48 months requires only Php 33,048 in monthly payments, while a 60-contract gets you a monthly bill of Php 28,315.
Honda CR-V S 1.6 AT
The midrange diesel variant comes with LED foglamps and rear lamps, along with variable intermittent wipers in front and a rear windshield defogger. A Smart Entry system gives you access to the cabin featuring room for seven occupants, and the second and third rows can slide and recline. Two USB charging ports at the rear complement the 12-volt power outlet in front.
Any tech geek would probably marvel at the CR-V's interior
Under the hood lies a 1.6-liter turbocharged i-DTEC engine generating 118 hp and 300 Nm of torque, linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension buoy the chassis above the ground, while safety features include six airbags, stability assist, and a multi-view reverse camera.
Coming in at Php 1,888,000, the S 1.6 AT Diesel trim commands a 36-month amortization of Php 46,203 on a downpayment of 30 percent or Php 566,400. Increasing the initial cash outlay to 40 percent or Php 755,200 reduces the recurring bill to Php 39,603, going even lower to Php 31,872 on a 48-month contract.
Honda CR-V SX 1.6 AWD AT
The range-topping CR-V goes all out in terms of equipment on offer, with a high beam support system on its headlamps, auto rain-sensing wipers, and a power tailgate with hands-free access. Power adjustment is also present for the front seats, with ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Wireless charging is available, along with an intelligent dual-zone automatic climate control connected to rear vents.
Cameras on the exterior mirrors bolster the CR-V's safety features
Honda's Real Time AWD is standard on the flagship variant. For safety, the SX comes with Honda Sensing driver-assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane keep Assist System, and Forward Collision Warning. Corner sensors are standard, as well as a low tire pressure warning system.
Priced at Php 2,158,00, the CR-V SX entails a monthly payment of Php 52,810 for a 36-month contract on a 30 percent downpayment or Php 647,400. If you choose to give 50 percent of the sticker Honda CRV price Philippines or Php 1,079,000, the monthly comes down to Php 37,722, while extending the term to 60 months will only entail a monthly bill of Php 26,010.
As always, these are all estimates, exclusive of other costs such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and registration at the end of the first three years of ownership. Your nearest Honda dealer will be able to give you a more accurate computation based on your current budget.
Find more tips that add up to a great car ownership experience at Philkotse.com.