It should also only be a matter of time too before this new Honda SUV makes its way to Malaysia.
Honda Australia has recently announced the local launch of the all-new CR-V down under. Arriving in Oz a year after its initial international debut in America, this new sixth-generation version of Honda’s mid-sized SUV claims to be both bigger and greener than ever before.
Starting with the claims of it being bigger first, this new Canadian-designed CR-V is now nearly encroaching into large SUV size standards by being 71 mm longer and 10 mm wider than the SUV it replaces. Its wheelbase has also grown by 40 mm to 2,700 mm, which resulted in its second-row seats benefiting from 15 mm (0.6 in) more legroom and the continued availability of a seven-seat option with two small seats in a third row.
And in continuing on the topic of growth, this all-new CR-V does appear to look more grown up too compared to its predecessor. A more boxy body style has since replaced the rounded silhouette of the prior generation, with this particular generation adding more menace by way of a larger hexagonal front grille and some rather XC60-esque rear LED light signatures.
What has not grown however with this new CR-V is its engine displacement, as 6 of the 7 variants offered in Australia still carries over its predecessor’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that outputs a decent 190 hp and 243 Nm of torque. Though it is worth highlighting the range-topping trim of CR-V down under does instead come with Honda’s e:HEV hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder working alongside two electric motors that produces a combined 204 hp and 335 Nm of torque.
Worth highlighting too is that this new CR-V now features a similar cabin design to its current Civic sibling, with standard interior kit for this Honda SUV now including a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 9.0-inch touch screen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Extra luxuries like a head-up display and 12-speaker Bose sound system are however limited to the top-tier hybrid trim, though a comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing active driver aids and Honda LaneWatch are rather handily standard across the range.
Built in Thailand before being exported to Australia, these new larger CR-Vs will also unfortunately see a new larger price tag. Prices for the base five-seat 2WD VTi X trim now starts at AUD 44,500 (RM 134,000), with the top-end e:HEV hybrid variant retailing at AU$59,900 (RM 180,000) before state-based green car rebates are factored in.
As for the more pertinent question on when these new CR-Vs will be arriving in Malaysia meanwhile, Honda has previously said that this sixth-generation SUV was among the four cars it intends to launch locally in 2023. So unless the Japanese automaker is to be reneging on its prior claims, it could therefore be expected for its arrival over here to be rather soon.
