The sixth-generation Honda CR-V will soon make its debut in the Malaysian market; the new SUV is expected to go on sale in December, having had order books opened earlier this month.

The most recent version of the Comfortable Runabout Vehicle was unveiled in July of last year. It differs significantly in style from the outgoing model, which has been in production since 2016 and locally since mid-2017, with a facelift scheduled for 2020. The quick side-by-side comparison with the fifth generation shows that it has a more traditional design, with cleaner lines and a sharper, squarer shape.



In comparison to the SUV it replaces, the new CR-V measures 4,694 mm length by 1,865 mm wide, which is 71 mm longer and 10 mm broader. Its wheelbase has also increased by 40 mm to 2,700 mm. With its longer bonnet at the front and shades reminiscent of Volvo at the back, the rear of the vehicle has a flatter-looking snout. When viewed from the center, the inner tail lights of the vehicle resemble a BMW, especially when the exterior is painted in darker tones.

Apart from the bolder, more sophisticated look, there are a number of first-time for Honda (and model-specific) innovations, but the biggest announcement is the first-ever hybrid option added to the lineup. The hybrid will now be the top model in this range, but the 1.5-liter turbocharged is expected to stay.






Malaysia will receive the e:HEV in two-wheel drive configuration, but the hybrid CR-V is offered in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations (as demonstrated in Thailand). In contrast to Thailand, where the RS trim level is exclusively available for the on-demand AWD and the 2WD for that market is an ES version, it will be offered here as an RS model, as indicated in the teaser image released earlier this month. For our market, we will only receive the five-seat model, just like previously.

Similar in design to the Civic e:HEV, the 2.0L e:HEV's i-MMD powerplant produces 335 Nm of torque in addition to 184 PS, which is 20 Nm higher than the Civic's. An eCVT is used to transfer power to the wheels.




Regarding the 1.5L VTEC Turbo, it has been retained unaltered from the fifth generation. Consequently, the L15BE DOHC VTEC turbo four-pot continues to produce 243 Nm between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm and 193 PS (190 horsepower) at 5,600 rpm. Likewise, selecting an Earth Dreams CVT as a partnered transmission.

Although the number of available versions is unknown, we predict four: the top-of-the-line e:HEV hybrid, three 1.5 turbos, one of which will be an AWD model. The booking post said that the e:HEV will include complete LED headlights and taillights, LED front fog lights, and front LED sequential turn signals, though the exact specs have not yet been released.



The RS will also include an Active Shutter Grille on the front lower bumper to improve aerodynamics, "sleek door handles," and Berlina Black 18-inch alloy wheels. Together with a 360-degree camera, it will also have a 12-speaker Bose music system—a first for the company in this region.

Other features include the hands-free operated tailgate with a walk-away close feature, the Honda Sensing ADAS suite, and the Honda Connect telematics with phone app.




Prices for the new CR-V are not yet known, but it should cost more than the current fifth-generation facelift, which ranges from RM165,800 to RM170,400 for the turbo engine (the base 2.0L NA model, which costs less than RM150k, will be withdrawn). This is particularly true with the e:HEV RS, where it's possible that the range-topper will push the CR-V over the RM200k threshold. If that's the case, we will find out soon enough.