The 2023 Honda CR-V makes its debut in Thailand

Honda has officially introduced the new Honda CR-V for Southeast Asia. The latest generation of the CR-V was introduced in a grand preview at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand, the preview showcased its updated appearance with a sleeker more streamlined appearance, an interior resembling the Honda Civic, and two new engine options.

Honda has ditched the 1.6-liter i-DTEC engine and the naturally aspirated engine options and has replaced it with a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo and a 2.0-liter dual-motor hybrid system Honda calls e:HEV.

The 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo pumps out 187 hp (190 PS) at 6,000 RPM with 240 Nm of torque between the range of 1700 to 5000 rpm. It is paired with a CVT transmission and is offered in either Front-wheel drive (FWD) or Real-Time All-wheel drive (AWD).

On the other hand, the e:HEV system is propelled by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that operates without a turbocharger and works in tandem with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. On its own, the engine produces a modest output of 146 hp (148 PS) at 6100 rpm and 183 Nm of torque. However, when combined with the electric motors, the entire hybrid powertrain generates a combined output of 181 hp (184 PS) and 335 Nm of torque. Unlike the VTEC Turbo that can be had with an FWD option, the e:HEV is exclusively an AWD model and is equipped with an e-CVT transmission.

Incorporating the brand's most recent design language, the sixth-generation CR-V displays a striking appearance. Its sleek LED headlights, paired with a unique grille and a sport front bumper, contribute to the crossover's sporty looks. On the side, the CR-V has larger windows compared to the last model, losing a bit of the smooth, curved look of the roof but giving it a much taller appearance overall. Moving towards the back, the 2023 CR-V retains its L-shaped LED taillights, albeit with a more assertive design, and is equipped with a newly-designed tailgate and revamped exhaust finishers.

The new CR-V is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor. The 2023 Honda CR-V is 4691 mm long, 1866 mm wide, and stands 1681 mm tall. Compared to its forerunner, it is 84 mm longer, 9 mm wider, and 3 mm higher, with an elongated wheelbase of 38 mm to 2,700 mm. The new model can be had in either 5- or 7-seater versions that allow for a 60/40 split-fold option for the second row and a 50/50 split-fold option for the third row.

Inside, the all-new CR-V boasts a range of features, including a powered front driver seat with memory functionality, a 10.2-inch fully digital gauge cluster, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and a Plasmacluster ionizer, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless phone charging, heads-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

In terms of safety, the 2024 CR-V incorporates a comprehensive range of features. In addition to a complete set of airbags, ABS with EBD, and vehicle stability assist, the car is also equipped with proximity sensors at all four corners, a 360-degree camera, adaptive driving beams with active cornering functionality, and Honda's Lane Watch blind spot camera.

Like the car it replaces, The CR-V continues to offer a comprehensive range of intelligent driver aids, collectively known as Honda Sensing. These features include collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam, adaptive driving beam, and lead car departure notification.

Moreover, the all-new CR-V has been given the RS treatment for the first time, with a sportier exterior featuring a greater number of body-colored components, a high-gloss black grille with RS badging, sequential LED turn signal indicators, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Ignite Red Metallic is an exclusive color option for the CR-V RS, while Canyon River Blue Metallic is solely available on the e:HEV models. Additional color options include the Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl paint schemes.

Since the all-new CR-V has now reached Thailand, the Philippines might be next in line to get the new model, and with luck, we won’t have to wait for too long.