All-new Honda CR-V spotted in PH, launching soon?
Not long after introducing the refreshed versions of the Brio small hatchback and City subcompact sedan, it looks like Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is gearing up for the launch of their next new model and it might be the all-new Honda CR-V.
A photo showing the new generation Honda CR-V on a flatbed running along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) was posted on the Interesting Car Spotting PH Facebook group by user Rc Prieto.
Now the first question is whether this is a unit owned by Honda Cars Philippines or not, and we can safely say it is as another angle posted by a motoring publication shows the front end with a “CR-V” vanity plate creating the possibility that this particular unit is on its way to a photo or video shoot for promotional materials.
Revealed for the North American market last year, and for the ASEAN market in Thailand in March this year, the Honda CR-V is now in its sixth generation. It receives a mix of sportier, more premium, and more rugged styling, following the brand’s latest design language for its crossovers as first seen on the larger Honda Pilot.
The current generation Honda CR-V is the oldest model currently available in the Japanese automaker’s local lineup, having been introduced back in 2017. This makes it very much due for replacement and with HCPI’s President Rie Miyake confirming the arrival of an e:HEV (Honda’s term for its hybrid models), there’s is a huge chance that it will be the CR-V.
Over in Thailand, the all-new Honda CR-V gets the combination of a 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with two electric motors. It produces 207 horsepower and a healthy 335 Nm of torque, paired to an E-CVT. This could replace the very popular turbodiesel powertrain which has already been discontinued. Another option is the familiar 1.5-liter turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder. Shared with the Honda Accord, it produces 190 hp and 240 Nm, paired to a CVT.
Once launched here, we’re expecting it to have at least one variant with the L15 engine, and another with the e:HEV powertrain which can compete directly with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and GWM Haval H6 HEV. We’re also expecting it to remain available with choices of 5- and 7-seater variants, and have Honda SENSING as standard.
We don’t have any information yet as to when the all-new Honda CR-V will be launched locally but given that a unit has already been spotted, it can be within the next few weeks or months.
