The all-new 2017 Honda CR-V is officially in town, boasting a new design; turbocharged power plant options in 2WD and 4WD; and cutting-edge Honda Sensing technology. The fifth-generation Honda SUV comes in four variants, with prices ranging from MYR142,200 to MYR167,700 for the range-topping 1.5L Turbo Premium 2WD.
First making its way to Malaysia roads in 1995, the CR-V has been a success for Honda, selling over 8.7 million units globally.
In Malaysia, it was the first ever vehicle to roll out of Honda Malaysia’s Melaka plant in 2003. It has since sold more than 68,000 units. In 2013 alone, sales of the 4th generation CR-V has topped over 30,000 units, as of June 2017.
Honda is serious about reclaiming the SUV crown it lost in 2016, a competitive segment led by the Nissan X-Trail. Also vying for the top spot is the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sorento.
Make no mistake, the Honda CR-V ups the stakes in terms of kit (even the base model is impressively kitted out), powertrain, and futureproofing with advanced technology like Honda Sensing and Honda LaneWatch.
Malaysia continues to enjoy Honda ‘firsts.’ We’re the first country outside of Japan to get the new Honda Jazz Sport Hybrid i-DCD. And now, we’re the first country in ASEAN to receive Honda Sensing, the next-generation Advanced Safety Technology, in the CR-V.
New power
For the first time, Honda is offering a 1.5L turbocharged engine in a CR-V. The three options of turbo variants include a 1.5L Turbocharged Premium 2WD, 1.5L Turbocharged 2WD, and 1.5L Turbocharged 4WD.
If you can recall, Honda also featured a 1.5L turbocharged lump in its new Civic, another first.
The final variant is a 2.0L i-VTEC in 2WD guise. All variants are mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), developed with Earth Dreams Technology. Earth Dreams? It’s Honda’s proprietary technology to balance driving performance and fuel efficiency.
The great news is that all variants will offer paddle shift, for a sportier drive. Honda also says its 4WD system has been improved for better agility and light linear handling in all conditions.
Looking good
Over the years, the CR-V has evolved from utilitarian, docile-looking to more masculine. You’ll notice that the new CR-V is bolder, tougher, and fiercer even. The new corporate face, also seen on other new generation Honda vehicles, gives it a more aggressive stance overall.
Honda has made the new CR-V taller, with a higher ground clearance of 198mm (2WD) / 208mm (4WD), compared to its predecessor (170mm).
The CR-V rocks a solid wing face and angular body lines, making its aesthetically sleeker and more pleasing. This is coupled with LED Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Tail and Brake Lights, and LED Front Fog Lights. The full LED package complements the new Tailgate Spoiler and Dual Tone Alloy Wheels.
Overall, the new CR-V looks great.
Space to boot
The Big H has built a reputation around space management. Adhering to its signature concept “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” design principle, the CR-V boasts impressive cabin space for both occupants and goods.
For tall ones like me, you’ll appreciate the extra 90mm of rear legroom. No limb-breaking Air Asia-style.
The cool thing is, you can fold the rear seats down for an extended cargo space of up to 1,084 litres. This is an impressive 250mm of extra space and about 100 litres more, compared to the 4th generation CR-V.
For added convenience, there’s a Programmable Power Tailgate (Turbocharged Premium 2WD only). It lets you easily control the height and opening of the tailgate with a one-push button, and Stop and Hold Programmable Height.
By the way, all variants are five-seat versions.
All kitted out
Moving on to the interior, all variants feature outstanding standard kit. You’ll enjoy the eight-speaker, 7-inch Advanced Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Also, the dual-zone airconditioning, rear USB ports, 8-way Power Seat for the driver, and 4-Way Power Seat for the passenger.
You’ll fit snuggly into the black combination leather seats and will appreciate the three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Oh, did I mention there’s smart keyless entry with push-start ignition, and… walk-away auto door locking?
Before I forget, there’s also a full colour LCD TFT instrument panel that displays the usual readouts, plus your phone calls, music and radio station selection.
On the 4WD variant, you’ll also be able to see torque distribution. And by the way, the CR-V also features Electronic Parking Brake, replacing the conventional hand/footbrake.
When stuck in traffic, the Auto Brake Hold (ABH) feature will come in handy, letting you hold the vehicle’s position without having to constantly stepping on the brake.
Making sense of safety
Honda Sensing is the Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology that assists you in potentially dangerous driving conditions.
The technology has a three-prong assistance with seven features in total:
- Driver Cruising Aid
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Low-Speed Follow (LSF)
- Frontal Collision Deterrence
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Side Collision Deterrence
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Additionally, standard on all variants are six airbags, and Driver Attention Monitor that displays a combination of alerts on the TFT display (and steering vibrations).
Other safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera.
Top variants are also equipped with Honda LaneWatch camera, Auto High Beam and Active Cornering Light.
Pricing and availability (OTR w/o insurance)
- 2.0L 2WD priced at MYR142,400
- 1.5L Turbocharged 2WD priced at MYR155,700
- 1.5L Turbocharged 4WD priced at MYR161,600
- 1.5L Turbocharged Premium 2WD priced at MYR167,700
The All-New CR-V is available in five colour options of which the Dark Olive Metallic is a totally new colour for a Honda vehicle while the White Orchid Pearl and Obsidian Blue Pearl are brand new colours for the CR-V. The favourite colours of Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic from the previous generation have been maintained for this 5th Generation model.
Honda has set a monthly sales target of 700 units.
And by the way, you can bling up your new CR-V with these options:
- The Utility Package (MYR1,165) – Cargo Tray, Cargo Net, Trunk Organiser, Sun Shade and Door Protector Film.
- The Urban Package (MYR1,790) – Door Visor, Rear Bumper Protector and Illuminated Side Step.
- The Aero Package for 2.0L 2WD (MYR5,900) and 5L VTEC Turbocharged (MYR5,700) – Front Aero Bumper, Running Board, Rear Aero Bumper, Exhaust Pipe Finisher (2.0L 2WD only).
These accessories package prices are after 10% discount, giving savings of up to MYR665.
All vehicles are covered by Honda’s 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals, at any of the 91 Honda dealers nationwide.
Official Photos
