For the first time since the first leaked spyshots of Honda CR-V, finally we can see the Right Hand Drive (RHD) model, courtesy of the Japan market version. Launched today in two guises, 20G and 24G, the new CR-V differs slightly from its it predecessor by the introduction of Front Wheel Drive ( FF) model, as well as the CVT gearbox.
The new Honda CR-V measures 4,535mm long, 1,820mm wide and 1,685mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,620mm and wheel track measure 1,565mm for both front and rear. The weight is 1,460 kg for the 20G and 1,540 kg for the larger-engined 24G. Honda has emphasized that the new CR-V is more efficiently packaged than the outgoing model. The better structural design results in weight reduction of between 11kg to 30kg from model to model. Despite the 30mm shorter overall length, the interior length remained spacious at 2,125mm and Honda has managed to liberated extra 65l of cargo space. Interestingly, the latest CR-V still retained its 2,620mm wheelbase which originates right from the first generation. That model has a wheelbase of 2,620mm wheelbase because it was based on the then-current Honda Civic platform which of course shared the same dimension.
For Japanese market, the new Honda CR-V comes with two engine choice. The first one is the 20G model, powered by the enhanced R20A engine, dubbed R20A7, which in JDM spec produced 150PS@6200rpm and 191Nm@4300rpm. This engine is paired to CVT gearbox (with torque converter) only and channeled the drive to the front wheel. The 24G model on the other hand is powered by the K24Z8 engine producing 190PS@7000rpm and 222Nm@4,400rpm. The larger capacity engine is paired to 5 speed automatic gearbox and get the AWD drivetrain. In 10.15 fuel cycle test, the 20G returned 15.4 km/l while the 24G returned 12.2 km/l. Typical to all latest Honda cars, ECON mode can be activated via a touch of a button.
The cabin of the new CR-V is similar to the LHD cars launched in the US earlier, saved of course by the steering location. At the moment, there is no indication of the the cheapo looking audio system found elsewhere, where the JDM model gets the option of navigation-equipped system or perhaps as can be seen on the grey-imported car in Malaysia, plenty are fitted with after-market 2DIN unit.
The interior is all-black instead of 2 tone observed on the US CR-V. The accents on the IP is available in either silver trim or wood-grain. Leather upholstery is an option. The cabin gets a dual-zone climate control between driver and passenger. Airbags are plenty, which covers the usual dual front airbags, front seat mounted side bags and 4 curtain bags each window. Honda G-CON body is designed to protect the occupants which also include the detailing in terms of high strength steel which also contribute to the weight reduction. The usual acronym ABS, TCS and VSA are of course on board.
Honda is very keen to stress out that the new CR-V is whole load more practical than the model it replaced. For one, the boot space is 589l with a low 665mm loading height. The rear seats, while fixed unlike fore and aft adjusted predecessor, now feature a single touch folding operable from boot mounted lever.
Storage space within the cabin is abundance too. The elimination of free space between the front seats has been occupied by the large storage compartment. It is capable in holding two cups up front, with A4 paper-depth main storage as well as a couple of 500ml water bottle horizontally in the bottom section. For cars unspecified with the navigation unit, the smaller pod accommodating the MID screen will be a storage space too. I suspect Malaysian version will surely have this additional storage compartment! More detail after the jump.
While the new model is already an aesthetically-upgrade over the previous model, those who still feel the new CR-V is man-in-their-40's like, they can opt for the aggressively styled Module bodykits. It does inject some dynamism into the CR-V body styles.
In Japan, the new CR-V is priced at 2,480,000 yen for the 20G model and 2,750,000 yen for the 24G. It might take a while before we will know the definite spec of Malaysian market car. Typically the CVT gearbox will be dropped for the rest of Asian regime (as per Odyssey). Judging by how our current Honda Accord is spesified, it might be very safe to assume we will indeed get the additional storage space instead of multi-info display. The AWD system could be reinstated too. Anyway these are pure speculation. In the meantime, enjoy the small gallery of the 2012 Honda CR-V below.
20G model from Car.watch.
24G model gallery.
