All-new Honda CR-V to make ASEAN debut in March

Updated Jan 16, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It will have its regional launch in Thailand.

Honda’s CR-V compact crossover has already met its demise in its home market of Japan, but the nameplate lives on in the automaker’s major markets. One of those is in Southeast Asia, where the sixth-generation model is now primed to make its regional debut on March 22. 

2023 Honda CR-V

Thailand will be the springboard for the ASEAN launch of the 2023 Honda CR-V   

The new CR-V has been confirmed to premiere at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), using the event to formally catapult it to the ASEAN market. This follows the crossover’s global debut in the U.S., one of its most successful markets. 

As far as specifications and feature set are concerned, the ASEAN CR-V is not expected to stray too far away from its Western counterpart. There’s the matter of the styling for one thing, adapting design cues from its stablemates the HR-V subcompact crossover and the Civic compact sedan. This has resulted in a more angular look that reduces the visual heft of the previous version, despite being bigger now than ever. 

2023 Honda CR-V interior

It borrows from its Civic stablemate in both exterior and interior styling

Customers should expect the same exterior features as on the U.S. release, from the sleek LED headlamps surrounding the new grille to the larger LED rear lamps flanking the tailgate. 

Inside, the new CR-V shares the honeycomb dashboard trim with the 11th-generation Civic that conceals the air vents, along with a floating-type touchscreen. As the U.S.-spec CR-V is currently offered with two seating rows, this could potentially be expanded to three for the ASEAN market. 

In terms of powertrain, the new CR-V currently brings two options spread across its four trim levels. The base EX and EX-L share a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that yields 190 horsepower and 243 Nm of torque, while the higher-spec Sport and Sport Touring have a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline mill working in concert with two electric motors, bringing a combined hybrid output of 204 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque.    

2023 Honda CR-V test mule Thailand

The new CR-V has been spotted in camouflage roaming Thai roads last year (Image: Jeerasak Suwanpeuch FB account)

With the given engine selection, it looks like there would be no room for the 1.6-liter i-DTEC diesel unit that currently runs the flagship variant of the CR-V in our market. This would be similar to what Toyota implemented on the new Innova, which has moved away from diesel power towards standard gasoline and hybrid propulsion.       

We’ll have to wait until the new Honda CR-V’s Thai launch comes to pass, before gauging the chances that Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) will bring it here. 
  
Keep an eye out for more new models coming to our region at Philkotse.com

Know more about Honda CR-V 2024

Honda CR-V

The 2024 Honda CR-V is a midsize crossover SUV. For the Philippine market, it has three variants: the V Turbo CVT, VX Turbo CVT, and the RS e:HEV (hybrid) e-CVT. 

The latest version of this Honda model has two different engine options. For the top-spec hybrid trim, it uses a 2.0-liter gasoline four-banger paired with a dual motor and lithium-ion battery. The combustion component alone produces up to 145 horsepower and 183 Nm of torque. The electric-powered component meanwhile, can churn out 181 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque. 

Aboard the V and VX trims meanwhile is a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine that can churn out 187 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. 

Only the VX gets all-wheel-drive, while the rest are front-wheel-drive. All trims then use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but the one on the hybrid trim is an electronic CVT (e-CVT). 

In terms of dimensions, the all-new CR-V is 4,691mm long, 1,866mm wide, and 1,681mm (1,691mm for VX) in height. Both the hybrid and the V’s wheelbase then spans 2,701mm (2,700mm for VX). 

Locally, the Honda CR-V competes against the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Cherry Tiggo 8 Pro, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Peugeot 5008, etc. 

 

Honda CR-V Launch

The Honda CR-V was introduced to the Philippine market in September 2023. It launched with three different variants: the top-spec RS e:HEV CVT, the mid-spec VX CVT AWD, and the entry-level V CVT FWD. At launch, their prices ranged from Php 2.100 million to Php 2.590 million.

Honda CR-V Exterior

The 2024 CR-V carries the sleekness and the sportiness of the modern Honda design. Present on its front end are a pair of sharp LED headlamps which are outlined by LED daytime running lamps, a black-colored hexagonal mesh grille, and an angular front lower bumper. 

honda cr-v philippines exterior

The sides then feature power-folding side mirrors, a straight window line, and black plastic claddings for the VX and V. Its rear likewise gets a power tailgate, and a distinctively shaped pair of LED taillights. 

honda cr-v philippines door handles

honda cr-v philippines headlights

honda cr-v philippines wheels

The RS hybrid trim stands out among the three as it gets plenty of additions mainly focused on style. This includes a black color for its side mirrors and antenna, body-color mudguards, and a set of 18-inch piano black alloy wheels.

Honda CR-V Interior

Inside, the top-spec RS e:HEV can seat up to five, whereas the V and VX can accommodate up to seven. 

Present on all trims is a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, leather seats (w/ red stitching for the RS), a push-to-start button, USB A and C charging ports, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat (w/ power lumbar support for RS), auto-dimming rearview mirror, etc.

honda cr-v philippines dashboard

honda cr-v philippines touchscreen

Only the RS and VX get rain-sensing wipers but exclusive only to the highest-spec trim are a sunroof, paddle shifters, and a drive mode selector with normal, eco, and sport. The rest do get an eco-drive mode. 

For air-conditioning, the RS e:HEV gets a dual-zone automatic climate control system while the V and VX get a triple-zone automatic climate control system. All have physical buttons, as well. 

Technology & Safety Features

Present on all CR-V trims is a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and audio streaming. Likewise available to all CR-V variants is a wireless charging pad. 

Sound is fed to the CR-V’s cabin by a 12-piece Bose sound speaker (RS) or an eight-piece sound system (VX and V). 

Present on all trims of the 2024 CR-V is the Honda Sensing driver-assistive suite. This includes features like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive driving beams, lead car departure notification, and a driver attention monitor.

Those advanced safety features are then supported by seven airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, a 360-degree view camera, tire pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchors, parking sensors (eight for RS, four for VX and V), a security alarm, an engine immobilizer, etc.

Platform & Chassis

The CR-V uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a multi-link suspension system for the rear. Braking is done via disc brakes for all four wheels and an electronic parking brake. 

Engine & Drivetrain

There are two engine options for the 2024 CR-V. For the RS e:HEV, it gets a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with a dual-motor, lithium-ion battery setup. The gasoline mill alone produces up to 145 horsepower and 183 Nm of torque. The electric component then adds 181 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque to its output. Power is then sent to its front wheels via an e-CVT. 

The VX and V, both utilize a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that’s good for 187 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. Both use CVT, but the V is front-wheel-drive, while the VX is all-wheel-drive. 

There are five available color options for the 2024 CR-V. This includes Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinium White Pearl, and Canyon River Blue Metallic. 

The Honda CR-V is more than a competent challenger to other similarly sized crossovers when it comes to making power, and on-board features. It is also on top of the totem pole when it comes to providing a comprehensive safety kit. All the more to its credit is the fact that the latter comes as standard to all three of its trims. 

Honda CR-V Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
  • Stylish looks

  • Comprehensive safety kit

  • Generous output figures

  • Plenty of onboard features

  •  Reduced cargo space on certain trims

Honda CR-V Q&A

1. What kind of car is the Honda CR-V 2024?

Sized and designed like a Volkswagen Tiguan, the 2024 Honda CR-V is a five-seat small crossover.

2. How many color options are there for the Honda CR-V to choose from?

The Honda CR-V is available in 4 colors including Ignite Red Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Platinum Pearl White, Cosmic Blue Metallic.

3. Is there a diesel Honda CR-V in the Philippines?

Honda Philippines offers the Honda CR-V in two variants – the five-seater gasoline and the seven-seater diesel.

4. Is the Honda CR-V 2024 Philippines a good car?

Yes, the CR-V is one of the country's most popular cars in the compact crossover segment. The Philippines saw the beginning of the Honda CR-V in the late 1990s and after two decades, it still remained one of the most prominent nameplates in its class.

5. How much is the Honda CR-V 2024 Philippines?

Honda CR-V 2024 price Philippines ranges from Php 2,100,000 to Php 2,610,000.

 
 

₱ 2,100,000 - ₱ 2,590,000

Explore
Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

View more