The popular Honda SUV gets a mild mid-generation nip and tuck.
Honda Malaysia has recently launched a facelifted version of its popular CR-V SUV.
One of the first mainstream SUVs to hit the Malaysian market way back in 2003, this particular G5 iteration of CR-V that arrived in 2017 was due an update some time soon to keep up with the competitive SUV market locally, and here it is today.
The headline news for this round of updates on the CR-V would probably be the addition of the Honda SENSING active safety suite. This includes a whole host of active driver aids 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 Keep Assist System (LKAS) and Auto High Beam (AHB). It is worth noting however that these active safety features are only available on the top-spec 4WD variant of this facelifted Japanese SUV.
What is standard on all variants of the updated CR-V though is the Honda LaneWatch blindspot camera system. 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. The facelift also adds a rear seat belt reminder to the long list of passive safety acronyms that is already found on the outgoing CR-V model.
Continuing on other convenience features worth highlighting on this facelift, the updated CR-V adds twin USB ports under the front centre console. More impressive perhaps will probably be the addition of a hands-free powered tailgate with this refresh, not to mention the now-standard smart key with remote engine start and remote retractable wing mirrors functionality.
New front and rear bumpers, both with ‘Wing-style Chrome Fascia’, feature on the facelift CR-V to help distinguish it from its predecessor. A new black grille flanked by LED headlights also add to the Honda’s aggressive front aesthetic. Down the side, 18 inch dual-tone alloys are standard while dark chrome accents out the back, complete with a new finish on the twin tailpipes round off the aesthetic makeover on this update.
Three variants of the CR-V are now available, up from the usual two on the outgoing model. The 2.0L 2WD and the 1.5 TC-P 2WD are still on the roster, but a four wheel drive variant added to the lineup in the form of the 1.5 TC-P 4WD. The 1.5 litre VTEC turbocharged four cylinder outputs the same 193 PS and 243 Nm of torque in either the front or four wheel drive variants, though as mentioned before, only this top-spec four wheel driven variant adds the aforementioned Honda SENSING suite of active driver aids.
Prices for this locally-assembled Honda CR-V begins at RM 139,912.53 for the base 2.0L 2WD trim level, before rising to RM 157,615.91 and RM 162,910.18 for the 1.5 TC-P 2WD and 4WD respectively. All prices stated here are of course with the sales tax exemption in place, and will inevitably be higher once the new year rolls around.
Five colour options are available for the CR-V, ranging from Lunar Silver Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic and a brand-new option, Platinum White Pearl.
Previewed initially last month, over 600 bookings for this mildly updated Japanese crossover have been made to date. Honda aims to sell over 700 of these CR-Vs monthly, as they believe ‘the New CR-V will become Malaysian’s favourite SUV model’. Though seeing how competitive the mid-sized SUV field is, this will indeed be a tall order for the Japanese automaker.
PRESS RELEASE: Honda Malaysia (or the Company) continues to make waves in the market with the launch of its all-rounder Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) – the New CR-V. Bookings for the New CR-V opened in October and it immediately chalked up an impressive 600 units booked within one month. The CR-V, which stands for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, was the first Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) model introduced by Honda Malaysia in 2003. It has consistently received good market acceptance and continues to make a profound impression on Malaysians as well as set the benchmark in the SUV segment with more than 104,000 units sold as at October 2020.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “Each generation of the CR-V has attained outstanding achievements since the first CKD model rolled out of our manufacturing plant in Melaka. To maintain its upward momentum, the CR-V always offer features that are ahead of its time as well as above the segment’s standard and is able to gain wider market acceptance. This New CR-V now drives the highly competitive SUV segment a notch higher by introducing new features that fulfil the demands of the Malaysian market.
The CR-V was the first Honda Malaysia model to be introduced with Honda SENSING in the country to provide peace-of-mind and safety for customers. The New CR-V is once again pushing the benchmark higher in the SUV segment. The New CR-V now comes with Next Generation Advanced Technology features comprising a full suite of Honda SENSING safety features and Honda LaneWatch as well as dynamic performance with 4WD system. The remarkable driving performance of the New CR-V, in addition to its spaciousness and comfort, makes it suitable for families and discerning individuals who like getaways and prioritise the safety of passengers and themselves. The all-in-one New CR-V offers customers a complete package at attractive pricing for customer’s selection.”
The New CR-V continues to deliver excellent power with its 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged engine, generating power and torque of up to 193PS and 243Nm. Adding to the excitement, the highest variant of the New CR-V is now coupled with the 4WD system which provides improved drivability and maximises fuel economy. The all-rounder SUV is available in three variants, which are 2.0L 2WD, 1.5L TC-P 2WD and the new variant, 1.5L TC-P 4WD.
Sporting a refreshed look with tough and modern design, the New CR-V received several exterior upgrades consisting of the New Black Grille combined with Honda Signature LED Headlights and New Front Bumper with New Wing-style Chrome Fascia. The appearance of the New CR-V is further elevated with a masculine rear design comprising New Rear Dark Chrome, New Smoked Finish Taillights, rear bumper garnished with New Wing-style Chrome Fascia and Twin Tail Pipe Chrome Finish. Completing the bold new look of this model are the 18-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels with new design.
As the epitome of sophistication, the interior of the New CR-V is refined to improve convenience for customers while maintaining its stylishness and classiness. The New CR-V’s consoles are designed with greater versatility and usability in mind. The front console houses two USB Ports located underneath the gearshift, allowing both driver and front passenger to charge their devices at the same time. Customers can also continue to enjoy high-level comfort with the roomy cabin and convenient goods transportation with the capacious cargo space of the New CR-V.
Complementing the convenience and accessibility of the cargo space is the Hands-Free Power Tailgate. This is a new feature that can be activated with a foot motion towards the hands-free access sensor under the rear bumper, making it easier for owners to load cargo especially when their hands are full.
In addition, the New CR-V is equipped with advanced features that upgrade its first-class driving experience. One of the new features in the New CR-V is Remote Engine Start that allows drivers to start the engine with the press of a button on the smart key without unlocking the doors, and turn on the air conditioning before they get into the car, taking the enjoyment of driving this SUV to the next level. The New CR-V also comes with Remote Retractable Door Mirrors which allow owners to fold the door mirrors via the smart key.
The CR-V has been at the forefront of offering comprehensive protection for both the drivers and passengers using advanced safety technology.
The New CR-V is equipped with a full suite of Honda SENSING consisting of:
- 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 Keep Assist System (LKAS)
- Auto High Beam (AHB)
The New CR-V also comes with a new safety feature, Rear Seat Belt Reminder that enhances passenger protection by alerting the driver when the rear passengers have not fastened their seat belts. Awarded five-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP, the New CR-V offers a host of standard safety features, which are Honda LaneWatch, Six Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Walk Away Auto Lock and Driver Attention Monitor.
The New CR-V is available in five attractive colours; Lunar Silver Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic and a brand-new option, Platinum White Pearl.
With a monthly sales target of 700 units, Honda Malaysia believes the New CR-V will become Malaysian’s favourite SUV model. The New CR-V is the perfect travel companion for customers who seek an SUV with full package that is suitable for both leisure and exhilarating drive.
