Euro-Spec 2018 Honda CR-V Previewed By Hybrid Prototype

After making its debut several months ago at Auto Shanghai, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is now heading to next week's Frankfurt Motor Show as a near-production prototype. Unsurprisingly, it looks virtually the same as its Chinese cousin and there is a chance it will be launched in the United States as well. Not only is it an electrified CR-V, but at the same time it serves as a sneak preview for the SUV's new generation for the European market.

Design-wise, it seems to be almost identical to the U.S.-spec model, though we do notice the rounded fog lights of the American version have been replaced by an LED bar in the same vein as the daytime running lights built into the main clusters. Those funky two-tone alloy wheels have been borrowed from the U.S.-spec CR-V, much like everything else. The "hybrid" badge mounted on the driver's side fender separates it from the conventionally powered version when it comes to the exterior appearance.

Maybe the aforementioned lower LED light bar will be reserved to the hybrid model as a way to set it apart from the regular CR-V, which will use the company's new turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine already available in the latest Civic. It's going to be linked to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional continuously variable transmission. Honda has made it crystal clear a diesel engine will not be available in Europe.

Honda is being quite secretive with the technical specifications as it's only revealing the CR-V Hybrid Prototype features a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle and is teamed up with an electric motor. There are reasons to believe it will be adapted from the Accord Hybrid, but it's best to patiently wait for a confirmation from the automaker.

Featuring the company's Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive system, the hybridized CR-V will boast three different driving modes:

• EV Drive - full electric with zero emissions;
• Hybrid Drive – the combustion engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turns transfers power to the electric motor;
• Engine Drive - runs primary on gasoline engine, but with an electric boost when needed.

You won't have to manually select from one of the three modes as the i-MMD will be smart enough to do all the work for you and it's going to do it in the most efficient way.

Honda says it will reveal all specs early 2018 before launching the CR-V Hybrid in Europe later the same year. Meanwhile, the prototype scheduled to make an appearance at IAA will sit alongside the new Urban EV concept and the updated Jazz in the new Sport trim.