We all know what the updated Honda CR-V looks like by now. First revealed in North America, it got a fresher look, incorporating new elements from its current design language. Honda first showed the car back in September 2019 but there hasn’t been any news on when it will arrive here.
This time around, the wait might not be too long. It has been reported that the new-look CR-V will arrive in the region by March of this year. With Thailand somewhat serving as a barometer of what cars will be launched here, this is particularly good news for those looking forward to the updated CR-V.
Simply put, the launch in Thailand means it might not be much of a long wait before we see it in our showrooms. The crossover will likely make its regional debut at the 2020 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) on March 25.
So what can we expect in the 2020 CR-V? For the exterior, we’re likely to see the same treatment made to the US-Spec CR-V, save for a few minor changes. These may include the deletion of amber corner lights (a US market requirement) and, possibly, different wheel options. New bumpers at the front and rear are part of the changes for this year, along with tweaks to the lights, tail pipes, and trimmings.
Interior updates and upgrades are limited to a new wireless phone charging system and additional USB ports. We’re also expecting Honda to keep the seven-seat configuration for select variants.
There is, however, a possibility of the Honda Sensing safety package to be added to more models in the range. Typically reserved for the top of the line model, Honda Sensing includes Automatic High Beam Adjustment, Lane Keeping Assistance System, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Following (LSF). Here in the Philippines, that feature is reserved for the 1.6 i-DTEC SX AWD. We’re hoping we’ll see it in the 1.6 i-DTEC S 2WD when it arrives here.
As for engines, it will likely be unchanged from the ones we see in the present models. That’s the aforementioned 1.6-liter i-DTEC turbodiesel with 120 PS and 300 Nm of torque and the 2.0-liter i-VTEC making 154 PS and 189 Nm of torque. We do hope that we’ll get the upgraded 160 PS version of the turbodiesel but that may drive up the price if HCPI does decide to bring that version in. Transmission options will still likely be a CVT for the gas model and a nine-speed automatic for the turbodiesels.
Honda Cars Philippines isn’t hinting anything just yet. However, given that it’s time for the Philippine International Motor Show this year, it could debut by the third quarter of 2020.
