New Honda CR-V offers all-wheel drive hybrid power and costs noticeably less than the model it replaces

Last year, the Honda CR-V turned 30. This October, in the model’s anniversary month, Honda’s flagship SUV in southern Africa begins its next chapter. The new CR-V RS e:HEV AWD is the first CR-V in southern Africa with hybrid power, it comes with All-Wheel Drive as standard, and it costs significantly less than the model it replaces retailing locally at about N$950 000.

Few nameplates carry as much weight for Honda. Since its launch in Japan in 1995, the CR-V has grown into a global success, sold in around 150 countries. Cumulative sales passed 5 million in 2011, 10 million in 2018 and 15 million in August 2025, and the CR-V remains Honda’s best-selling car world-wide over the last decade.

The new model carries that legacy
forward. Honda’s 2.0-litre e:HEV two-motor hybrid gives the CR-V instant electric response, with its motors delivering 135 kW and 335 Nm. The cabin returns to five seats, and RS styling sets it apart inside and out. Priced at N$950 000, the new CR-V is available on order at Namibian showrooms, which are expected to add on an administration fee of between N$5000 and N$6000.

Every change began with listening. Namibian customers, Honda dealers and the wider market told Honda what they wanted from the CR-V: All-Wheel Drive capability, more performance, more practicality and a sharper price. The new CR-V answers all four.

Two-Motor e:HEV System

The CR-V’s new e:HEV system pairs a 2.0-litre direct-injection Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. The engine produces 106 kW and 189 Nm, while the electric motors deliver 135 kW and 335 Nm. That is a significant step up in performance and refinement over the outgoing 1.5-litre turbo model.

Unlike many hybrids, e:HEV does not blend engine and motor power through a complex planetary gearset. Instead, it is built around five main components, namely the traction, the generator motor, the 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine, the lock-up clutch and the power control unit and battery.

Because the wheels are driven by either the electric motor or a direct engine connection, the e:CVT has no conventional multi-speed gearbox, belts or pulleys. Honda says this simplicity reduces friction losses and gives smooth, seamless acceleration.

Three Drive Modes

The system switches between three modes depending on speed, load and battery charge. When the driver lifts off or brakes, the traction motor works as a generator. This regenerative braking turns energy that would otherwise be lost as heat into electricity stored in the battery. The result is a hybrid that combines the strengths of series and parallel hybrids: electric drive across most of the speed range, and direct engine drive where the engine is most efficient.

All-Wheel Drive

All-Wheel Drive is standard on the latest CR-V 2.0L RS e:HEV, answering one of the most frequent requests from customers and dealers.

The system is electronically controlled and sends torque to the rear wheels before slip occurs, for example when pulling away or climbing a hill. It also reacts quickly when the road surface changes and redistributes torque between front and rear axles through corners for added stability and control.

Combined with the instant torque of the electric traction motor, this gives the CR-V confident traction on wet tar, gravel roads and steep driveways.

RS Exterior and Refined Interior

The latest CR-V carries forward the sporty, modern and spacious design direction, with fine craftmanship, premium materials and upscale touches.RS-specification styling brings gloss-black bumper accents and dual exhaust outlets.

Inside, the cabin features RS-style eco-friendly leather upholstery, white ambient lighting and a clean, minimalist layout. Improved NVH suppression makes the most of the quiet electric drive.

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