There’s A Few New Things With The Honda CR-V

While the base variant remains the 2.0 2WD and there’s a familiar 1.5 TC-P 2WD sandwiched above it, the bun on top of this delicacy is now a 1.5 TC-P 4WD that serves as the flagship trim. While it’s certainly a leftfield move to put a 4WD trim at the top while other carmakers push the 2WD SUVs, we’re sure Honda Malaysia has done its research.

Power for the base model is still courtesy of the unchanged 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol mill with 152hp and 189Nm of torque. It’ll set you back RM139,913 (OTR w/o insurance) and with the tax exemption.

As for the mid and flagship trims, the turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC VTEC four-banger still delivers 190hp and 243Nm of torque. Also unchanged is the CVT box between the engine and wheels.

Pricing for the 1.5 TC-P 2WD is RM157,616 while the flagship 1.5 TC-P 4WD takes its seat at the top with an asking price of RM162,910.

While mechanically nothing has changed, cosmetically the CR-V gets the usual redesigned bumpers with less chrome and more blacked out trim pieces; a classy move as chrome is getting a little long in the tooth. The turbo CR-Vs also get a new wheel design for their 18-inch rollers.

The powered tailgate is still only available on the turbo trims but a hands-free feature has been integrated now, requiring the usual swipe of the foot under the bumper to operate it.

Only the eagle-eyed will notice some of the interior updates. Largely unchanged, there’re a couple more USB ports below the transmission lever and that’s pretty much the only notable enhancement for the cabin.

New features on the turbo trims now include remote engine start (new for the CR-V) and automatic wipers. However, standard kit for all trims still comprises LED headlights, LED DRLs, LED fog lights, keyless entry, keyless start, paddle shifters, dual-zone air-conditioning with rear vents, power-adjustable front seats, a 7.0-inch touchscreen head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as a multi-view reverse camera.

Only the turbo CR-Vs will be packing the Honda Sensing suite of active safety tech that is made up of Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF) and Auto High Beam (AHB).

However, the full range isn’t exactly lacking in safety kit. Standard safety tech includes six airbags, stability control, ABS, EBD, BA, Hill Start Assist, Agile Handle Assist (AHA) and Honda’s LaneWatch.

There’s a new shade for the CR-V as part of the refresh and that’s Platinum White Pearl; though it’ll cost you an extra RM367. The rest of the palette is Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic.

Every new CR-V comes with a five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty as well as free labour service up to five times within the first five years/100,000 km.

For those looking to add some aggression to their CR-V, the Modulo package tacks on a lower and corner garnish for the bumper as well as side running boards for an additional RM5,154. The Urban package at RM2,387 brings with it foot well lighting, illuminated side steps, rear bumper protector and door visors.

Nonetheless, we’d recommend the Utility package at RM938 that’s all practicality with a cargo tray, trunk organiser, rear side sun shades and reflective film on the door panels.

It’s also wise to splurge on the Protection package at RM3,007 that brings with it wheel lock nuts, digital video recorder, car cover, door handle protector, window tint as well as glass body coating and window coating.