Honda CR-V European version - gallery

The British-built Honda CR-V was unveiled on 18th July. For the European market, there are two option of powertrain sets available, 2.0L i-VTEC and 2.2L i-DTEC. FWD is also available for the first time. Transmission options are 5 speed automatic and 6 speed manual. The European version of Honda CR-V carries some detail design differences compared to the Asian/JDM version. MMN did not give enough photos during the unveiling article, so here they are.

For more details of the new Honda CR-V, head to our previous coverage HERE & HERE. More photos after the jump.

2012 Honda CR-V Speculative Malaysian Specs

The 2012 iteration has been launched in many countries since last year. In its homeland Japan, Honda CR-V was launched back in November 2011, some months after the US introduction. Closer to our neighbourhood, Singapore has gotten their CR-V in March 2012. When is Malaysia turn?

However, for sure the car will arrived here sometimes this year. Since there are a few permutation of CR-V model available, which one we will get? MMN uncovers this, purely based on the historical data of the drivetrain and trim package that usually being CKD here.

While Singapore gets both 2.0L and 2.4L model, it is very likely that Malaysian CR-V will be 2.0L only. This is the trend that has been observed since the third generation Honda CR-V made it to Malaysia. While the JDM model channelled their drive to the front-wheel via CVT gearbox for 2.0L version, this setup will be ditched for Malaysian market, as CVT is more suited to the short distance and start/stop slow driving typical to Japanese driving pattern. Singapore version are both front-wheel-drive only for 2.0L and 2.4L, so Honda Malaysia might adopt the same strategy to reduce the cost and improve fuel efficiency, both paired to the 5 speed automatic gearbox.

As for the interior, the latest Honda CR-V does come with 5" TFT Multi Info Display screen at the top of the dashboard, standard for Singaporean-bound CR-V, and option for the many other markets. Judging by how Honda Malaysia specced up Honda Accord and Honda Civic, we will very likely to loose this features. Instead, the basic American trim has been observed to have a storage box at the top of the centre console. The audio system could be an out-sourced item as Japanese car always put the option of selling a non-audio equipped car so fitting a locally sourced audio system should be a breeze. However, the USDM Honda CR-V is equipped with build-in audio system that follow the same design trend as the latest Honda Civic which can be seen in our gallery after the jump. As for the seat, our current Honda CR-V is fabric upholstered but there's nothing wrong with it as it is quite plush.

Other than the trimmings and drivetrain package, Honda CR-V should be almost identical worldwide. Hence for other details, refer to MMN coverage for the Honda CR-V Japan launch for more technical details HERE. The summary of the probable specification of the Malaysian 2.0L Honda CR-V and a small gallery of Honda CR-V 20G can be found after the jump.

JDM Honda CR-V launched - first RHD model

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.