The new 2017 Honda CR-V has been fully uncovered by Honda Thailand at the Bangkok Motor Show and became the third country to receive the fifth-generation CR-V, after the United States and Canada.
It’s offered there in four trims, and is confirmed to be a seven seater (watch out, Nissan X-Trail!). Features such as hands-free powered tailgate and Honda LaneWatch are also thrown into the mix.
Headlining the Thai-spec CRV is the i-DTEC turbodiesel variant. Offered for the first time for the South East Asian market, the 1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder turbodiesel engine makes 160 hp at 4,000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm. A nine-speed automatic transmission is tasked to drive the wheels.
The petrol variant is represented by the 2.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which is essentially a carryover unit from its predecessor. The engine produces 173 hp at 6,200 rpm and 224 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Earth Dreams CVT is the sole option for the petrol variant. Both the diesel and petrol variants are available as front wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
A total of five colours are offered for the Thai market – White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and the brand new Dark Olive Metallic. The new CR-V begins at 1,399,000 baht (approximately RM180k) for the 2.4 E petrol and 1,549,000 (approximately RM199k) for the 4WD variant. That same amount for a 2.4 E 4WD also buys the front-wheel drive variant of the diesel CR-V. The dearest of all, the diesel 4WD, has a sticker price of 1,399,000 baht (approximately RM218k).
Earlier this year, Honda Malaysia hinted that they will launch two more models this year. It’s been confirmed that the CR-V will be one of the duo, but it’s unclear as yet whether it will be a seven-seater or five. The turbo petrol seems to be most promising, though.
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