Honda CR-V

Long-awaited and highly sought-after, the Japanese’s new sixth-generation SUV, the 2024 Honda CR-V, now in Malaysia.

Four variants are on offer, three petrol (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V) and a first-ever hybrid (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS). 

Locally-assembled (CKD - Pegoh, Melaka), prices (OTR, without insurance) start from MYR 159,900, MYR 169,900, MYR 181,900, and MYR 195,900 respectively. 

Each purchase includes a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, a five-year/100,000 KM free labour service (five times within period), and an eight-year, unlimited mileage hybrid battery warranty (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

Five exterior colours. Canyon River Blue Metallic, Platinum White Pearl (MYR 600), Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic.

The new CR-V has a dashboard design that is modern, simple and practical with premium build quality.

Decked in black soft- and hard-touch panels, it sees honeycomb-patterned (CR-V 1.5L S), dark brown wood-grain (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V) and black (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS) inserts.

Focused in the centre is the infotainment unit, black trimming (mesh-cover - air-conditioning), and a linked-high-rising centre console.

Overall, every accessibility is well laid out, arranged non-cluttered and driver-oriented with easy operability.

Installed is a 7.0-Inch TFT semi-digital (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V) and a 10.2-Inch TFT fully-digital with a Head-up Display (HUD) (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS) instrument clusters.

Interior of the five-seater is in black fabric/leather (CR-V 1.5L S/CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS) with red stitching (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS) upholsteries.

Variant CR-V 1.5L S features manual adjustable front seats, and 60:40 split-fold with manual recline/sliding function rear seats.

Variants CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS upgrade to power adjustable front seats (8-way driver - 4-way passenger) with a 2-way memory function.

Complementing the cabin is a headliner (grey - CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, black - CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), and an ambient lighting system (CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

The space is generously spacious. It offers plenty of head, shoulder and leg rooms, providing the front and rear occupants ample mobility.

Notably, the CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS adds an extra 80 MM and 40 MM to the length and wheelbase, compared to other and prior models.

Mounted is a three-spoke style steering wheel, wrapped in urethane (CR-V 1.5L S) and leather (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS). 

Features are multi-switches (media, vehicle settings), column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), paddle shifters (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V), and deceleration selector paddle (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

The drive is aided by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

Plenty of storage compartments. E.g., a decent-sized glove box, medium-sized seat back and side door pockets, and centre console partitioned and caverned spaces.

The cabin is installed with one 12-V power socket (front), four USB ports (two-front, two-rear), and one wireless charger (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

Accessing its powered-tailgate (remote control/key fob - CR-V 1.5L S, hands-free/kick sensor/walkaway-auto-close - CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), opens up to a load capacity of 587-Litres (seats up) and 1,634-Litres (seats down).

The new CR-V weighs in at 1,598 KG (CR-V 1.5L S), 1,616 KG (CR-V 1.5L E), 1,668 KG (CR-V 1.5L V) and 1,735 KG (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

Robustly sporty, it stands at 4,691 MM long, 1,866 MM wide, 1,681 MM (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS) and 1,691 MM (CR-V 1.5L V) tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,701 MM (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS) and 2,700 MM (CR-V 1.5L V).

Parading a neat, solid and sporty exterior, it boasts angularly-refined elements and contours all around.

The front-end features a black-meshed grille (active shutter, RS badge - CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), a matching lower air-intake, and corner-fitted slit-like vents.

Differentiating the variants are lower bumper and side cladding fitments. Black (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V) and body-coloured (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

Flat and symmetrical, it radiates a sleekly laid-back sporty appeal, complementing the front with angular curves.

The rear-end sees a roof-edge spoiler, a shark fin antenna (body-colour - CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, black - CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), and bumper integrated tailpipes (chrome - CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

Separating the variants are lower bumper and side cladding fitments. Black (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V) and body-coloured (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

Framed aerodynamically sharp, the head lamps project a very focused and determined outlook.

Standard are full LED units with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED sequential turn signals, and auto On/Off and high beam functions. 

Variant CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS adds on active cornering lights and Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB). 

Included are LED fog lamps (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

Wrapped-around and angularly bulging, the tail lamps are in a horizontal and vertical framing, featuring LED combination units with standard turn signals.

Variant CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS adds on a set of fog lamps.

The body-coloured (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V) and black-capped (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS) side mirrors are electronically-powered (fold, adjust).

Features are LED turn signals, blind-spot monitor indicators (CR-V 1.5L S), and Honda LaneWatch Camera (LWC) (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS). 

Incorporated are a set of ventilated (front) and solid (rear) brake discs, aided by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold (ABH) system.

Variant CR-V 1.5L S rides on a set of 17-Inch multi-spoke ‘Sparkle Silver’ light-alloy rims, wrapped in 235/65 R17 tyres.

Variants CR-V 1.5L E and CR-V 1.5L V get a set of 18-Inch multi-spoke ‘Sparkle Silver’ light-alloy rims, wrapped in 235/60 R18 tyres.

Variant CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS charges on a set of 18-Inch multi-spoke ‘Berlina Black’ light-alloy rims with resonator (noise dampening), wrapped in 235/60 R18 tyres.

The new CR-V is installed with the Honda Sensing suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Grouped are, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Auto High Beam (AHB), and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN).

Others include, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Agile Handle Assist (AHA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), and Honda Connect telematic system (safety, security, convenience).

Variants CR-V 1.5L E and CR-V 1.5L V add on Honda LaneWatch Camera (LWC), while variants CR-V 1.5L V and CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS furthers it with Multi-View Camera System (360-degree) and reverse auto-tilt mirror.

Passive safety includes eight airbags (driver-passenger, front-rear side curtains, driver- passenger knee), seat belts (anchors, reminders, pre-tensioners), ISOFIX (two-outer rear seats), reverse auto tilt side mirrors (CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), parking sensors (four - front, rear), reverse camera (multi-angle, guidelines), Driver Attention Monitor (DAW), Active Noise Control (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), auto-door-lock (speed sensing), walk-away-auto-lock, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), and security alarm with immobiliser.

Two drive modes at the driver’s disposal. ECON (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V), and SPORT (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

Installed is a 7.0-Inch (CR-V 1.5L S) standard display audio and a 9.0-Inch (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS) advanced display audio (touchscreen), supporting Bluetooth, AUX, Apple CarPlay (wireless), Android Auto and navigation.

The Honda Sensing suite will make driving on the highway and in the city a much more relaxing task. 

Plus, accompanied by the other systems, manoeuvring the full-fledged SUV day-in and day-out will be hassle-free. 

Interior sound is channelled via a standard eight-speaker setup, and a 12-speaker Bose setup.

The new CR-V harbours two different powertrain setups (petrol, hybrid).

Variants CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E and CR-V 1.5L V get the petrol engine (L15BE, 1.5-Litre four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC VTEC Turbo - 190 HP/142 KW at 6,000 RPM, 243 NM at 1,700 to 5,000 RPM).

Whereas, variant e:HEV RS incorporates the hybrid setup (Honda Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system).

The latter fuses a 2.0-Litre four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated Atkinson Cycle petrol engine (146 HP/109 KW at 6,100 RPM, 190 NM at 4,500 RPM), mated to an electric motor (181 HP/135 KW at 5,000 to 8,000 RPM, 335 NM at 0 to 2,000 RPM).

Variants CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E and CR-V 1.5L V get a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-Design Shift technology, whereas variant CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS gets an Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT)

Power is sent to the front wheels (2WD) for variants CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E and CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS, and to all wheels (AWD) for variant CR-V 1.5L V.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 9.7 seconds (CR-V 1.5L S), 9.8 seconds (CR-V 1.5L E), 10.4 seconds (CR-V 1.5L V), and 9.0 seconds (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS). 

Top speed is 200 KM/H (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V) and 187 KM/H (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS).

Fuel capacity is at 57-Litres, and the fuel consumption figure reads at 7.0-Litres (CR-V 1.5L S, CR-V 1.5L E), 7.5-Litres (CR-V 1.5L V), and 5.0-Litres (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS) for every 100 KM/H.

The new CR-V comes with keyless entry, engine Start/Stop button, remote engine starter (remote control/key fob - engine start, cabin cooling), key card (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), walk-away auto-lock, powered-tailgate (remote control/key fob - CR-V 1.5L S, hands-free/kick sensor/walkaway-auto-close - CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), dual-zone automatic air-conditioning (with rear vents), steering wheel (column adjustments, paddle shifters (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V), deceleration selector paddle (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), multi-function), cameras (Honda LaneWatch Camera (LWC) (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), 360-degree (CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), multi-angle reverse), parking sensors (four - front, rear), power adjustable front seats (CR-V 1.5L E, CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), reverse auto-tilt side mirrors (CR-V 1.5L V, CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), auto-dimming rear-view mirror (interior), wireless charger, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold (ABH), interior illumination (ambient/cabin lights), Active Noise Control (ANC) (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), resonator (tyres - noise dampening) (CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS), and automatic headlamp/wiper function.

Provided at the rear-section of the centre console.

The driving is very solid and responsive, thanks to the fitted suspension setup (MacPherson strut - front, multi-link - rear).

Overall, it is spacious, comfortable, and the ride quality is good with a refined and sturdy handling.

Sound insulation is adequate, accounting for all the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects. 

The cabin is able to suppress wind, road and tyre noises well, and make them barely noticeable.

Variant CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS incorporates an Active Noise Control (ANC) system, and resonators (tyres - noise dampening).

The new Honda CR-V is a well-equipped proper SUV. Notably, to its driving dynamics, comfort and safety systems.

Quality of the equipment and materials installed, inside and outside of the car really impresses with the upscale, mature design and restrained detailing. 

Ultimately, it is a pretty decent vehicle that offers good fuel economy, advanced safety features, refined ride quality and a stylish body design altogether.