Bangkok 2023: Honda CR-V – 6th generation SUV launched in Thailand; 1.5L turbocharged, 2.0L hybrid, 5/7 seats, from RM186k
Sawadeekap. We are reporting live from Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) for for the first time since 2019, and it’s good to be back after the world and coverage of our regional motorcycling program, halted because of the pandemic. Kicking things off at Impact Muang Thong Thani this year is the all-new Honda CR-V 2023, which has now been launched for the Thai market.
Thailand is where the CR-V ball started rolling for our region, but Malaysia will get it soon – the new CR-V will be one of the few. Four new models that Honda Malaysia will introduce this year.
The sixth generation of the familiar SUV name is designed in metal, looks more square and stronger than the fifth generation CR-V that first appeared at the end of 2016 (Malaysian debut is in July 2017; we have got November 2020 upgrade). The more masculine look is contributed by straight lines and a flat bonnet, joined by a sloping nose and large hexagonal grille.
On top variants, the grille is a super-large honeycomb. The rear has a hint of Volvo (not a bad thing) and a distinctive LED signature. What do you think of the new CR-V’s looks compared to the old one and when compared to the friendlier Mazda CX-5? By the way, the blue car you see here is an RS, and this is the first time the CR-V gets the sporty trim level we’ve known from the City, Civic and HR-V.
At 4,694 mm long and 1,865 mm wide, the new CR-V is 71 mm longer and 10 mm wider than the SUV it replaces, while the wheelbase has increased by 40 mm to 2,700 mm. Honda’s midsize SUV has always had much more room inside than its wheelbase, thanks to its signature clever packing, and this one is no different.
By the way, the Thai market has a seven-seat option with two small seats in the third row. Not many customers are expected to opt for the seven-seater, and only one variant (out of five) will add seats. Speaking of options, only the base Turbo E is 2WD, the remaining four variants have ‘real-time AWD’ on demand – perhaps the local market here is very focused on SUVs with powertrains. four wheels.
As mentioned, there are five variants and the price may be higher than some people expect. Assembled domestically in Thailand, the CR-V 2023 starts at 1.5 Turbo E 2WD for 1,419,000 baht, equivalent to RM186,478. Next is the 1.5 Turbo ES 4WD version for 1,599,000 baht (RM210,133) and 7 seats 1.5 Turbo EL 4WD priced at 1,649,000 baht (RM216,724).
These variants are equipped with Honda’s familiar 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 242 Nm of torque at 1,700 to 5,000 rpm. Like all new cars in the Land of Smiles, it uses E85 biofuel. By the way, our CR-V’s current 1.5L turbocharged unit is rated at 193 PS and 243 Nm from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. The CVT gearbox is also a known quantity.
The other two variants are hybrid – e:HEV ES 4WD for 1,589,000 baht (RM208.839) and the top e:HEV RS 4WD for 1,729,000 baht (RM227,239). The i-MMD powertrain in the e:HEV model is similar to that on the Civic e:HEV, with the 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and the e-CVT working together with two electric motors for total power. System output is 204 hp (207 PS) and 371 Nm from 0 to 2,000 rpm.
The list of exterior accessories includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, front sequential LED turn signals, LED front fog lights, LED rear lights, electrically adjustable rearview mirrors with auto-folding and looping functions. power, electric panoramic sunroof, panoramic sunroof, auto-closing sunroof (including tailgate), front sunroof/rear parking sensors and 18-inch alloys.
The top RS variant adds gloss black trim and the same body color where black plastic and chrome are common, in addition to RS badging at the front and rear. The door mirror caps and shark fin antenna are also available in black, as are the rear spoiler and 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Headlights are an adaptive steering beam item that essentially always shines high but blocks oncoming vehicles.
Inside, the new CR-V gets a Civic FE-style dashboard with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (plus voice commands), a digital dashboard 10.2 inches (except for the base E). , wireless charger and paddle shifters on the steering wheel, among others. The RS is equipped with luxuries like a head-up display, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and built-in navigation.
For the Thai market, the RS has aluminum-style silver trim while the remaining versions come with dark wood trim. The sport version also has red stitching on the leather seats and RS animations when starting the car, just like current RS models.
Honda Sensing is standard across the board, as is the Honda LaneWatch. In terms of colors, the standout color is Canyon River Blue Metallic, which is reserved for e:HEV hybrid variants. Ignite Red Metallic is the signature RS color reserved for the most premium model. Other colors are Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.
So CR-V range starts from RM186,478 to RM227,239 in Thailand now. Our current fifth-generation CR-V facelift costs between RM165,800 and RM17,400 for the turbocharger (there’s a base model 2.0L NA for under RM150,000). Just like D-segment sedans transitioning from the previous generation to the current generation, maybe +/- RM200k is the new normal for large SUVs (for us)? We’ll see when the new CR-V arrives in Malaysia later this year.
Now, what do you think of the new CR-V’s visuals and specs?
LIBRARY: Honda CR-V 2023 Specifications, Thailand
