KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia has launched the latest fourth generation CR-V sports utility vehicle which has a more daring styling and aerodynamic body.
Compared with its predecessor, the new CR-V is lower in height and shorter in length (by 30mm each), although its wheelbase remains the same at 2,620mm.
Though a bit smaller than the previous generation, the new model’s seat configuration re-engineering has enabled the cabin to be more spacious with better legroom.
Honda says the new CR-V has best-in-class aerodynamics as well as improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) quality.
The new look comes courtesy of deeper sculpting of body lines and highlighted front grille for this CR-V nameplate that is well-known for its ride comfort and drivability.
Other improvements over the previous generation also include a classy interior, enhanced convenience features as well as increased fuel efficiency and performance.
Powering the “Premium Smart SUV” is an improved 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine with 153hp @ 6,500rpm and 190Nm of torque @ 4,300rpm mated to a five-speed automatic transmission for balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
It is slightly more powerful compared with the previous version, which had 148hp @ 6,200rpm.
Torque output remains the same, although the previous version provided the same amount of pulling power at 4,200rpm.
Helping CR-V drivers to reduce their fuel consumption are the ECON button and Eco Assist system which are now standard.
The ECON button promotes fuel efficient by reducing the vehicle’s power output with the push of a button while the Eco Assist guides the driverd on efficient driving styles through the illuminated ring colour on the meter cluster that changes from white to green for uneconomical driving to fuel efficient driving respectively.
According to Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive Yoichiro Ueno, the new CR-V has slightly better fuel economy, as Honda data shows that it can hit 11.7km per litre.
"This is compared with the previous version, which gets 11.4km per litre."
Enhancing comfort for rear passengers is the new rear air conditioner vent and the luggage area can be increased from 589 litres to 1,146 litres, making the area roomy enough to fit two mountain bikes side by side,
Priced at RM148,800 on-the-road, the CR-V is available in five colours of Twilight Blue Metallic, Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.
This is RM1,195.30 cheaper, when compared with the normal variant of its predecessor which was priced at 149,995.30 on-the-road.
According to Ueno, the company was able to reduce the price of the new CR-V due to its higher local content.
"The new CR-V has 10% higher local content, compared with its predecessor."
Four different Modulo packages are also available, at extra costs ranging from RM2,550 to RM5,000.
Ueno also said the company would be offering a 2.4-litre variant in June to meet the requests from customers who wanted a higher performance variant.
The 2.4-litre variant has an estimated price of RM190,000.
“In Malaysia, the CR-V is just as popular as in other countries. To-date, there are close to 34,000 units of CR-Vs on Malaysian roads,” he said.
Honda Malaysia targets to sell 7,000 units of the CR-V this year.
The company has already received some 1,000 bookings prior to today’s launch.
The new CR-V also comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage, and service intervals of 10,000km.