HONDA cars are top sellers in virtually every segment of the passenger car market, except for the sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment.
With the new CR-V, Honda Malaysia is aiming for the top spot.
The company have set a new level and benchmark for the SUV segment with the launch of the all-new Honda CR-V with a starting price of RM142,400.
Available in four variants — the 2.0L 2WD, 1.5L turbocharged 2WD, 1.5L turbocharged 4WD and the 1.5L turbocharged Premium 2WD.
The all-new Honda CR-V comes in two engine choices. The 2.0-litre
i-VTEC naturally-aspirated engine produces 152hp at 6,500rpm and 189nm of torque from 4,300rpm, while the 1.5-litre direct injection turbocharged VTEC engine is able to churn out 190 hp at 5,600rpm and 243nm of torque from 2,000 to 5,000rpm. It is 20hp and 23nm more than the latest Civic engine.
Both engines are mated to the Honda’s Earth Dreams CVT transmission.
Honda claims that the new CR-V 2.0L 2WD can sprint from zero to 100kph in 11.3 seconds with a top speed of 193kph.
Meanwhile, the 1.5L turbocharged 2WD and the 1.5L turbocharged Premium 2WD can complete the century sprint in 8.8 seconds. Last but not least, the 1.5L turbocharged 4WD can run from standstill to 100kph in 9.2 seconds. The turbocharged variants have a top speed of 200kph.
For the first time in Malaysia, Honda Malaysia has introduced the Honda Sensing technology, which is made available only in its top variant — the 1.5L turbocharged premium 2WD. It is the next generation advanced safety technology to assist drivers in potentially dangerous driving conditions.
“We believe this focus transition will lead us to make ‘Tomorrow’s dream, today’s reality’. We are also proud to take note that Malaysia is the first country in Asean that is introducing Honda Sensing,” said its managing director and chief executive officer Katsuto Hayashi during the launching ceremony in Kuala Lumpur recently..
The Honda Sensing provides seven features in its safety suites. They are adaptive cruise control, low-speed follow, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation and lane keep assist system.
Measuring 4,584mm long, 1,855mm wide, 1,689mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,660mm, the all-new CR-V is 6mm shorter, 35mm wider, 4mm taller with an increased of 40mm on its wheelbase.
It weighs 1,520kg for the 2.0L 2WD variant, 1,543kg for the 1.5L turbocharged 2WD variant, 1,595kg for the 1.5L turbocharged 4WD variant and 1,549kg for the 1.5L turbocharged Premium 2WD. The 2WD and 4WD variants have a ground clearance of 198mm and 208mm, respectively.
The car has 522 litres of boot space with all seats up and 1,084 litres with the second-row seats folded flat.
Standard equipment across all variants includes auto-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, black combination leather seats, walk-away auto door locking, smart keyless entry with push-to-start button, paddle shifters and full colour LCD TFT instrument meter panel.
Dual-zone air-conditioning, rear air-conditioning vents, cruise control, eight-way driver powered seat with lumbar support, four-way passenger powered seat, auto dimming rear view mirror, two rear USB charging ports, rear parking sensors, leather multi-function steering wheel and one-touch folding seats are also part of the standard equipment list.
As for in-car entertainment, all the variants come with seven-inch advanced display audio system with Apple CarPlay/Andriod Auto, hands-free telephone connectivity along with two front USB and HDMI ports that power an eight-speakers sound system.
To differentiate the variants, the 2.0L 2WD rides on 17-inch allow rims and its interior garnish is finished in silver lining. As for the turbocharged variants, they get 18-inch allow wheels and their interior garnish gets the wood finishing.
The range-topping 1.5L turbocharged Premium 2WD has Honda Sensing suite, auto high beam, active cornering lights and programmable powered tailgate.
As for the safety features, all the Asean NCAP five-star rated variants come equipped with six airbags, vehicle stability assist, agile handle assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, auto brake hold, brake assist, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, multi-angle rear view camera and isofix child seat mounting points.
The all-new CR-V are available in five colours of obsidian blue pearl, white orchid pearl, modern steel metallic, lunar silver metallic and the new dark olive metallic. There will be an additional RM400 premium for the white orchid pearl.
The all-new CR-V 2.0L i-VTEC 2WD is priced at RM142,400. The 1.5L turbocharged 2WD is retailed at RM155,700, while the 1.5L turbocharged 4WD is sold at RM161,600.
Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range 1.5L turbocharged premium 2WD is available at RM167,700. All prices are without insurance and inclusive of six per cent Good and Services Tax.
All variants are backed by a five-year unlimited warranty programme, with service intervals set at every 10,000km.