It was only recently that Honda SA has introduced its first diesel-powered model, the CR-V 2.2i-CTDi, which is powered by a 2.2 liter 16-valve engine that revs up 340 Nm of torque at 2,000r/min. This new addition to the CR-V range is claimed to consume only 6.5 liters of diesel on the combined cycle.

Likewise, the CR-V's i-CTDi engine was also claimed to feature optimized combustion chambers linked to a continuously variable swirl control valve, a common rail, direct-injection diesel delivery system, variable nozzle turbocharger and water-cooled exhaust gas regulation (EGR) valve. This turbodiesel unit is said to provide a "remarkable smoothness and refinement" attributed to the vibration-reducing technologies comprising of off-set cylinders, second-order balancer shaft, pendulum-type engine mountings and acoustic engine cover that are incorporated in the engine.

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and according to Honda the automaker that brought the world top-of-the-line Honda floor liner, the 2.2i-CTDi is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10.3 seconds and reach top speed of 187 km/h. In urban driving conditions, the diesel-powered CR-V has a fuel consumption figure of 8.11/100 km at a constant 100km/h and 5.71/100 km for out of town driving.

The new powerplant is also equipped with Real Time 4WD system, which engages when needed by transferring torque to the rear wheels as soon as the control unit senses the need for additional traction.

According to Honda SA Marketing Divisional Manager John Laurence, " This derivative makes the perfect vehicle for people who are looking for the benefits of a diesel SUV, but are not willing to put up with the unrefined nature these types of vehicle have shown in the past."

The interior specifications of the new Honda CR-V includes front and rear parking sensors similar to those equipped on the RVSi model; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) which is an add-on to the VSA that Corrects trailer swing by adjusting power and braking force to the wheels separately; ABS with EBD; dual-stage front-,side- and full length curtain airbags and active front head restraints make up the iCTDi's safety package.

But the most unique feature of the diesel version Honda CR-V is the "Double Deck" luggage configuration, which utilizes a shelf to divide the cargo bay into an upper and lower luggage area. It helps to hide items from snooping eyes especially when the retractable tonneau cover is not in use and at the same time it allows for neat piling and sub-division of luggage. With the "Double Deck" it makes retrieval of items at the very bottom of the luggage easier.

To make access to items on the lower level much easier the shelf was hinged across the width. In the double deck mode, the shelf rests on a protruding edge formed by the luggage area side panels. It can also be reverted to a conventional arrangement by simply lifting the shelf out of the CR-V altogether.

Graham Eagle, Honda SA's General Manager of sales and Marketing said, "We anticipate the turbodiesel-powered CR-V to attract conquest customers currently driving D-segment saloons, as well as those from the C/D SUV segment. In particular, it will meet the needs of those customers seeking premium-class cross-over vehicles."

The Honda CR-V 2.2 iCTDi is priced at R326 900. The price will also include a five-year/90,000 km service plan, a three year/100,000 km warranty, and one-year roadside assistance program.