Will this mild nip-and-tuck help the CR-V propel back to the top of the SUV segment?
The Honda CR-V has long been the default choice for any Malaysian wanting a mid-sized SUV. That said however, with the SUV segment being as competitive as it has ever been, Honda has given its ever-popular CR-V a nip and a tuck to keep it relevant among increasingly appealing alternatives.
Headlining this new CR-V facelift is the new Honda LaneWatch blindspot camera system. Featured on all CR-V variants, a camera mounted on the passenger side mirror displays a live feed on the car’s infotainment screen, making lane changes or turning much easier in the SUV. 
A full suite of active safety features are also made available on the top-spec 4WD CR-V as part of the Honda Sensing safety suite. This includes a host of acronyms like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Auto High-Beam (AHB).
Safety features aside, the Japanese auto manufacturer has also fitted other convenience features such as a a powered tailgate and a digital instrument cluster. Combination leather upholstery is also standard across the range.
New front and rear bumpers, both with ‘Wing-style Chrome Fascia’, feature on the facelift CR-V to help distinguish it from its predecessor. As does the new black grille that is flanked by LED headlights, giving the Honda a more aggressive front aesthetic. Round the side, the facelift adds a new dual-tone design on its 18-inch alloy wheels. While out the back, new tail pipe finishers and ‘Rear Dark Chrome’ finish the rear design.
Having sold more than 36,000 units since the launch of this 5th generation CR-V in Malaysia, Honda aims to boost those numbers with the arrival of this facelifted variant. Launching officially in the forth quarter of this year, this Japanese SUV is already open for bookings at all 101 authorised Honda dealers nationwide.
PRESS RELEASE: Honda Malaysia today surprised the market with the opening for booking of the New CR-V at all 101 Honda dealerships nationwide. Since its launch in 2017, more than 36,000 units of the 5th Generation CR-V are now on Malaysian roads. The CR-V contributed 19% to the overall Non-National SUV segment, making it one of the most popular and beloved Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the market. The launch of the New CR-V in Malaysia is expected to be in Q4 2020 and will up the ante to be the all-rounder of the SUV segment.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “The CR-V made history when it became the first Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) model to roll out of our Melaka manufacturing plant in 2003. It went on to achieve a leading position in the SUV segment and market share with over 100,000 units sold since then. We are confident that the New CR-V will not only continue to live up to this stellar track record, but also regain its status as No.1 in the Non-National SUV segment as it offers a complete package comprising bold exterior, VTEC Turbocharged engine as well as Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology – Honda SENSING. We believe the enhanced New CR-V is an ideal SUV for families and professionals with a keen sense of sophistication and style.”
The exterior of the New CR-V is now refined to portray a modernized and sophisticated characteristic. The front look is now even more captivating with the New Black Grille combined with Honda Signature LED Headlights, while the New Front Bumper with New Wing-style Chrome Fascia enhances its bold appearance. The attractiveness continues to the rear design with New Rear Dark Chrome and New Smoked Finish Taillights. The rear bumper is also garnished with New Wing-style Chrome Fascia and New Tail Pipe Finisher. Further elevating the aesthetics of the New CR-V are its 18-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels with new design. The New CR-V is equipped with a new advanced feature, the Handsfree Power Tailgate which can be activated with a foot motion under the rear bumper to open and close the cargo. This advanced feature provides convenience and easy access during loading and unloading cargo.
Powered by a 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged engine, the New CR-V produces power output of up to 193PS and 243Nm, making it more powerful than a 2.4L engine performance, to deliver uncompromised power for an SUV body type while maintaining fuel efficiency at the same time. In addition, the New CR-V maintains its dynamic 4WD performance with its Intelligent Control System that transmits torque without delay and provides optimum power to the rear wheels for better traction and control.
The New CR-V is equipped with advanced safety features that provide comprehensive protection for both the driver and passengers. The New CR-V is available with full suite of Honda SENSING that consists of eight features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Low-Speed Follow (LSF)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Auto High-Beam (AHB)
In addition, Honda LaneWatch is now a standard safety feature in the New CR-V. Developed to improve driver’s awareness and assure safety, this system features a camera mounted on the left passenger side mirror with visuals displayed on the car’s infotainment screen when turning or changing lanes.
The New CR-V is now available for bookings at Honda authorised dealers nationwide. For more information on the New CR-V, customers can call the Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log onto www.honda.com.my.
