Explained: Why The New CR-V Still Comes with Only 5-Seater and LaneWatch

The sixth-gen Honda CR-V was officially launched in Malaysia last week

The sixth-gen Honda CR-V was launched in Malaysia recently, arriving in four variants, including a top-specced e:HEV RS. While the C-segment SUV is offered in a three-row, seven-seater guise in several markets, including Thailand, it appears that we’re only getting the standard two-row, five-seater version.

The 5-seater (left) and 7-seater variants of the new Honda CR-V offered in the Thai market

When asked if the seven-seater CR-V model was considered for the Malaysian market, Honda Malaysia explained that the decision to drop the three-row variant was due to low demands and production volume, as stated by the firm’s executive director, Yujiro Sugino.

“Yes, we have considered it, but considering the total production (of the CR-V) that we produce here at the Melaka plant, we have decided to concentrate on one variation of seats. So that's the reason why we chose the five-seater."

"In order to localise, we need a certain volume. It's more efficient to concentrate on one seat spec to localise based on current volume. Our local factory only produces for our destination; we don't export, so considering our total Malaysian volume, we determine that we should not introduce two seat variations," Sugino added.

This decision is not a big surprise, considering that the previous fifth-gen CR-V also comes in a three-row variant in other international markets, with Malaysians only getting the five-seater model that offers more spacious cabin space and better cargo space flexibility.

The Malaysian-bound CR-V still comes with Honda's novel LaneWatch system

Aside from the seat layout, several folks have also pointed out that the new CR-V still comes with Honda’s novel LaneWatch camera system instead of the newer Blind Spot Information (BSI) system that is present on the CR-V in other international markets. While it is easy to presume this omission as a mere cost-cutting measure, Honda Malaysia’s explanation tells us otherwise.

Further explaining this matter, the large project leader (LPL) for the Honda CR-V, Eisuke Sato, stated that the LaneWatch system is simply more effective for Malaysia and the ASEAN region in general due to the heavy usage of motorbikes on our roads.

“In other regions, we do apply BSI. However, specifically for (this) region and in Malaysia, we consider how motorbikes are often driven, and in that kind of driving (environment), we believe that LaneWatch is more effective,” Sato explained.

The CR-V LDL also added that the LaneWatch is more effective in detecting motorbikes in the car’s blind spot, as the system actually shows drivers where the motorbikes are instead of merely alerting them of impeding vehicles like the BSI system did.

“Because LaneWatch can actually visualise where and how many motorbikes are actually passing by, it provides the driver with a more certain situation of the bikes,” he added.

For those who are not familiar with both the LaneWatch and BSI, the former uses a camera mounted on the front passenger side mirror – in Malaysia’s case, the left side –  which channels a live video feed to the car’s central infotainment display whenever the driver activates the left turn signal.

Honda's Blind Spot Information (BSI) system used on the CR-V for other international markets

Meanwhile, the BSI system is similar to other Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) systems used on other automakers, which utilise radar sensors located at both sides of the car’s blind spots to detect any impeding objects or vehicles. Unlike LaneWatch, the BSI or BSM only offers a warning light alert integrated in both the side mirrors when a vehicle or an object is detected within the blind spot.