We first saw the fourth generation Honda CR-V facelift three months ago when it was revealed ahead of its world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, but it’s officially here now, just in time for the Chinese New Year celebrations. There’s also a new 2.0-litre 2WD variant joining the existing 4WD-only SUV, with its introduction highly driven by market demand.
QUICK FACTS
Name | Honda CR-V 2.0L 2WD | Honda CR-V 2.0L 4WD | Honda CR-V 2.4L 4WD |
Transmission | 5-speed automatic, conventional torque converter | ||
Engine | 1,997cc; inline-4 cyl SOHC i-VTEC | 1,997cc; inline-4 cyl SOHC i-VTEC | 2,354cc; inline-4 cyl DOHC i-VTEC |
Max Power | 153 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 153 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 188 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
Max Torque | 190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm | 190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm | 222 Nm @ 4,400 rpm |
Price (OTR with insurance) | RM139,800.00 | RM150,800.00 | RM169,800.00 |
Honda Malaysia wasted no time in bringing the CR-V facelift here, which gives the model a head start against its closest competitor, the Mazda CX-5, which was also recently given a facelift.
EXTERIOR
This CR-V is clearly better looking than its pre-facelift kin, sporting HID projector headlamps (standard on all variants) complete with LED daytime running lights. The split-level grille is also new here, as with the redesigned front bumper that houses the rectangular fog lamps (previously rounded).
All variants get a set of new turbine-inspired wheels, with the range topping 2.4L variant sitting on 18-inchers, wrapped with 225/60R18 profile tyres, while the 2.0L variants sit atop 17-inch wheels with 225/65R17 series rubbers. Over the back, the CR-V gets a huge slab of chrome that runs across the tailgate, whereas the taillights are subtly tweaked and its rear bumper restyled.
INTERIOR
Features unique to the 2.4L CR-V include Honda’s LaneWatch technology, where, like the 2.4L Accord, provides a video feed of the left side mirror through the central 7-inch display screen. Also exclusive to this variant are paddle shifters, the earlier mentioned 7-inch screen supports HDMI connectivity and GPS navigation as well. Its door handles are also finished in chrome, and this trim gains two additional curtain airbags, making a total of six airbags.
Another interesting feature of the CR-V is its one-touch folding seats, as demonstrated by GC Mah in the video embedded above. Its boot space with the rear seats up measure at 589 litres, but expands up to 1,146 litres with the rear seats folded down.
As for the new 2.0L 2WD variant, it gets quite a bit of goodies of which include keyless entry and push-start button, eight-way driver powered seats, ECON button, dual zone climate control, fabric seats (the rest are leather-upholstered) and four airbags. And oh, the headlights aren’t halogen bulbs anymore, by the way. Even the base model CR-V gets HID headlamps here.
PERFORMANCE
Nothing has changed in the powertrain department. Both the 2.0L and 2.4L engines are carried over, paired to a five-speed torque converting automatic gearbox. There’s a nine-speeder version of the CR-V, but that’s strictly for the diesel powered variant only.
The output figures here remain the same, with the 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC unit churning 153 hp at 6,500 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm, while the 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC mill makes a respectable 188 hp at 7,000 rpm and 222 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. The 2WD model – as its name suggests – is front wheel driven, and is identifiable without the “4WD” badge at the back.
SAFETY
Most of the safety features are similar to that of the pre-facelift version, so here’s a quick recap of what will save your life in the CR-V: ABS and EBD, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Vehicle Stability Assist, reverse camera with rear parking sensor, rear seat Isofix mount, and four airbags as standard (six in the 2.4L 4WD variant).
WHAT ELSE?
The CR-V is priced from RM139,800 for the 2.0L 2WD, RM150,800 for the 2.0L 4WD and RM169,800 for the 2.4L 4WD (OTR with insurance). It can be had in five different colours, which comprise of Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White, Twilight Blue Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.
There’s also a range of Modulo aero kits to improve the car’s overall sportiness – Aero Package for RM6,000, Elegant Package for RM4,500, Urban Package for RM2,650 and Utility Package for RM3,000.
You can now view the CR-V at any 77 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide, and it comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage. Every new CR-V owners can enjoy free labour service of up to six visits for every alternate visits up to 100,000 km. Service interval is now at every 10,000 km.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda CR-V 2.4L 4WD
Honda CR-V 2.0L 4WD with Modulo Aero Pack
Honda CR-V 2.0L 2WD