Developing an HRV with some performance would probably cost less than Honda will have spent on the new Si civic. Given the SUV/CUV market there would definitely be more purchase of an HRV with some guts vs. the niche Civic Si coupe/sedan. Plenty of people out there purchasing Tiguans, Rav 4's and CX-5's who are after a bit of performance and styling. These are people who do not purchase CRV's because it's a boring vehicle. A more powerful HRV would have very similar utility to the aforementioned vehicles and although the Rav has more cargo space ... most people who buy those vehicles are not counting every square foot of cargo space. I know plenty of people who have purchased competitors vehicles in the past year because they dislike the CRV and the HRV is underpowered. The weak powertrain in the HRV is the most common complaint out there. It's not a secret. Put in the 2.4L already being built, add a real transmission from the parts bin, better suspension borrowed from the parts bin, some plastic molding and BOOM! you can put on an SI badge. It's not rocket science. Does Honda sell alot of CRV and HRV? Yes. Could they sell tens of thousands MORE? Absolutely. I'm surprised by your question frankly ... but being in Ohio perhaps you work for Honda. Private Message me if you work for Honda and want some common sense advice.
What's so surprising about the question? I'm more of a sedan/coupe buyer. I've never had anything larger or heavier than an Accord so I don't know much about the CRV's and crossovers. Just wanted to see your reasoning behind that idea. I wasn't trying to say it was a dumb idea if that's how you interpreted it. Also I wanted to see if you actually had an idea of the business side of vehicle development or if you just liked the idea of the CRV Si. Your logic sounds good to me.
I think so, too. The Si has been an outlier of the sport compacts for a little while now. It may not sit along side other cars, but maybe it will fulfill a certain niche?
As cool as adaptive suspension is, it may mean some pretty expensive repair bills down the road which some people may want to think about.
Adaptive suspension from ordinary car makers aren't very impressive. Just look at the Focus RS. People are complaining it rides like shit.
Yeah that's the thing, the adaptive suspension isn't really going to matter much when talking about the Si since I'm thinking that most Si owners looking to replace their suspension will end up getting rid of it anyways.
Is your EM1 electron blue like your avatar? Such beauty cars
It most certainly will not be over $30K USD (dealer added options withstanding).
