KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is closing 2023 with the launch of the sixth generation completely-knocked down (CKD) Honda Comfortable Runabout Vehicle (CR-V).
It is the brand's fourth and last model model for the year, rounding up its planned line-up which included the all-new Winsome Runabout Vehicle (WR-V), 2023 Civic Type-R and the City facelift which includes a brand new non-e:HEV RS variant.
Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Hironobu Yoshimura said it aims to achieve a monthly sales target of 1,000 units for the CR-V with the launch aligning with current market trends and demand in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment.
"For the first three quarters of 2023, the CR-V witnessed a 10 per cent year-on-year growth in sales compared to the previous period. To top it off, the model has maintained its No.1 position in the Non-National Mid-Size SUV Segment during the same period.
"Not just taking a step forward; we are making a huge leap in this segment with this new model. The comprehensive SUV package of the all-new CR-V contributed to its soaring popularity, amassing over 2,000 bookings in just one month," he added.
Additionally, Honda Malaysia said it is on track to achieve its 80,000 sales target for the year with the bulk of sales coming for the V variant City.
The company's new flagship SUV is available in four variants (S,E,V and RS) divided between two powertrain options (2.0L e:HEV and 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine).
The variants are priced on-the-road without insurance from RM159,900 (S), RM169,900 (E), and RM181,900 (V).
Price of the e:HEV RS variant will only be available in early 2024 and will be announced closer to the delivery period.
All of them come in five colours: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic, and an all-new Canyon River Blue Metallic which is also a first for Honda Malaysia.
To commemorate its 75th anniversary, which coincides with Honda Malaysia's celebration of 20 years of CKD CR-V production (which is also the first locally-assembled model in its Melaka plant in 2003), the company is offering a special RM157,900 price for only 750 units the S variant on a first-come - first served basis.
To-date, the CR-V has sold more than 129,000 units locally.
The latest model does not come in a seven-seater configuration - all variants come in a five-seater setup due to market demand.
Bigger and wider than its predecessor, the CR-V is 4,691mm in length, has a width of 1,866mm, a 1,681mm height and 2,701mm wheelbase. Boot capacity now sits at 589 litres when the rear seats are up and increases to 1,072 litres when the seats are laid flat.
Only the RS variant comes with the 2.0L e:HEV engine while the V variant comes exclusive with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system - all others being two-wheel drive (2WD).
Its e:HEV powertrain delivers 184PS of maximum power and 335Nm of torque. It is the first model among Honda's lineup to receive an e:HEV powertrain with an improved Hybrid Traction Motor that is paired to a Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e:CVT) through a new framework.
The RS variant comes with a bold mesh pattern front grille, full LED headlights and tail-lights, LED front fog lights, front LED sequential turn signals, Berlina Black 18-inch alloy wheels, Active Cornering Lights, Adaptive Driving Beam, 10.2-inch TFT Meter, Bose Premium Sound System with 12 Speakers, head up display (HUD, smart key card, and a 360-degree multi view camera system.
It is the first for the model to come with an Active Shutter Grille that is mounted on the front lower bumper for enhanced aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The advanced 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine on the other hand is paired to an advanced CVT which delivers a maximum power of 193PS and a peak torque of 243Nm.
\Variants E and above comes with leather-trimmed seats, eight-way Driver Power Seat with two-position memory, an additional front USB-C Port, a 9-inch Advanced Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless charger, hands-free power yailgate with walkaway close, and Honda LaneWatch.
V and e:HEV RS variants offer interior ambient lighting and a tailpipe chrome finisher.
Incorporated safety features within all variants include a total of eight airbags with the inclusion of two knee airbags, Honda Connect, Honda Sensing system with a Wide-Angle Radar, Camera and Sonar Sensor and a total of nine driver-assist safety function technology.