Ahead of the sixth-generation Honda CR-V‘s Malaysian launch, which is anticipated later this month, Honda Malaysia has been previewing the SUV via a series of customer showcases at chosen dealerships across the country. The previews, which began within the East Coast late last month, finally arrived within the central region over the weekend, and it was here that we caught up with the Malaysian-spec models.
As with the HR-V and WR-V previews up to now, the vehicles were shown behind a draped area, with no photography allowed. While only two models within the line-up were shown, the viewing confirmed that we will likely be getting 4 variant grades of the brand new CR-V for our market, with the range consisting of a 1.5L S, 1.5L E, 1.5L V AWD and a range-topping 2.0L e:HEV RS, the nomenclatures mirroring that of the HR-V range.
The corporate has finally discontinued the two.0L i-VTEC naturally-aspirated engine, last seen on the entry-level 2WD variant on the fifth-gen facelift, which suggests the Malaysian CR-V line-up is now available only in turbocharged or hybrid forms.
The 1.5L S, 1.5L E and 1.5L V AWD are petrol turbo units, utilising the 1.5L VTEC Turbo from the fifth-gen, carried over largely unchanged. As such, the L15BE DOHC VTEC turbo four-pot continues on with 193 PS (190 hp) at 5,600 rpm and 243 Nm from 2,000 to five,000 rpm. The partnering transmission stays the familiar Earth Dreams CVT.
As for the top-of-the-line hybrid, it’s powered by an Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system, just like that seen on the Civic e:HEV RS, combining the workings of an electrical motor and petrol engine. The latter is a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, which acts primarily as a generator.
No numbers for the MY-spec DI mill, but in Thailand the unit offers 148 PS (146 hp) at 6,100 rpm and 183 Nm of torque by itself. The ultimate figure for our automobile could also be different, as highlighted via the Civic e:HEV -here, the mill offers 143 PS (141 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 189 Nm of torque, marginally higher than that of the Thailand-spec version (141 PS and 182 Nm), on account of our higher fuel quality.
The electrical motor handles a lot of the propulsion duties, however the petrol engine can provide direct drive – via a lock-up clutch – at higher speeds for higher efficiency. When it comes to output, the e-motor develops 184 PS (181 hp, or 135 kW) and 335 Nm, the latter 20 Nm greater than on the Civic application.
While the hybrid CR-V is accessible in each two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive guise in Thailand, Malaysia will likely be getting the e:HEV in its two-wheel drive configuration, and so drive is distributed to the front wheels via an electrical constantly variable transmission (e-CVT).
The RS specification for the Malaysian model is exclusive, not simply because it’s the primary time the grade is being found on the model, but since the RS trim level is simply for the AWD in Thailand, the 2WD for that market being an ES version.
The previews showcased the two.0L e:HEV RS hybrid and 1.5L V AWD turbo variants, which offered a more in-depth have a look at various new-to-model features. These include mechanically adjustable rear seats (fore-aft, seatback tilt), Qi wireless charging (from E onwards) and an Energetic Shutter Grille (RS only). From the V on, there’s a driver seat memory function, a 360-degree camera and a Honda key card, while the RS adds on a HUD.
While the 1.5L E and 1.5L S have yet to be sighted and their specs fully revealed, we will inform you that the bottom 1.5 S will include fabric seats, a 7.0-inch TFT computer screen in its instrument panel, a 7.0-inch infotainment central display and can ride on 17-inch alloy wheels.
From the E on, the upholstery is leather, presented in black, and a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment unit goes in place. Like on the Civic, each the E and V get a seven-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, with the speedometer being analogue. The hybrid RS is the one variant to feature a ten.25-inch full digital instrument display.
From the E, the CR-V rides on 18-inch five double-spoke units, finished in silver for the E and V, while the RS is shod with Berlina Black gloss units. Tyres on all of the 18-inch units are 235/60 profile Toyo Proxes R45, the identical unit that was original fitment on the fifth-gen RW here.
As for interior trim, all three petrol versions, including the AWD, get dark-wood panel inserts on the dashboard and door cards, while the RS gets aluminium-finish silver accent inserts with gloss black surrounds. Moreover, the RS gets red contrast stitching on the upholstery, steering wheel, gear shift lever cover and on the door cards.
Meanwhile, the headliner for the petrol variants are in light grey, while that on the RS is in black.
Moreover, the RS can also be the one model to feature a 12-speaker Bose audio system, marking the primary time a branded sound system is getting used on a model here. The variant can also be the just one to get Adaptive Driving Beam for its LED headlights.
Present on the V AWD was a hands-free power tailgate and the automaker’s LaneWatch side camera system, and the latter needs to be available across the model range. In Thailand, Honda Sensing is standard across the board, and barring any surprises, that must also be the case here. The hybrid RS may also feature Honda Connect telematics with phone app.
As for exterior colors, five will likely be available here, with the palette led by a brand new Canyon River Blue Metallic. Unlike Thailand, the actual color isn’t only for the e:HEV hybrid, provided that the V AWD on the preview was finished at nighttime blue shade. The opposite 4 colors are Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.
While there’s still no official indication of pricing, we hear from reliable sources that prices of the petrol CR-V range is anticipated to be within the “RM160k plus to RM180k” zone, which, needs to be this the case, would mean a marginal increase from the RM165,800 to RM170,400 seen on the facelift turbo variants. No word on what the e:HEV will go for, but as mentioned previously, it could well breach the RM200k mark. We’ll know in a couple of weeks.
GALLERY: 2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS, Malaysia spec
GALLERY: Honda CR-V sixth-gen, Thailand-spec
GALLERY: Honda CR-V sixth-gen and fifth-gen, side-by-side comparison, Thailand-spec
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This Article First Appeared At paultan.org
