New 2015 Honda CRV 1.6
The 2015 Honda CRV has just been announced with a new 1.6 "earth dreams" engine in place of the 2.2 diesel. Output is claimed to be up from 148bhp to 158bhp with the same 350nm of torque as the old engine. Emissions are lower and fuel economy better.
Sounds great on paper but will it still make a good tow car? The current 1.6 only has 118bhp and 300nm and is reckoned to be underpowered for a matched caravan. Similarly the new X-trail claims 130PS and 320nm yet the reviews find it breathless even solo.
This seems to be the trend with SUVs polarizing between lighter and leaner "crossovers" and unreconstructed Chelsea tractors.
I'm in a quandary now as I was on the verge of buying a new or maybe nearly new 2.2 CRV. Should I grab one while they are still around or wait for the new model? (I'm also planning to upgrade to a Sterling SE Quartz at 1522kg MTPLM)