Sawasdee-kap. We’re reporting live from the 2017 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), and kicking things off is the all-new 2017 Honda CR-V, which is making its public debut here at Impact Muang Thong Thani after its official Thai launch last week. The latest iteration of Honda’s popular midsize SUV will be coming to Malaysia soon, and this serves as a preview of what’s to come.
It’s not just the old CR-V template wearing new clothes – this fifth-generation model has a third row of seats, making it seven in total. This is the first time that a CR-V has more than five seats, and it joins the T32 Nissan X-Trail in playing the 2-3-2 formation.
Both the second- and third-row seats are reclinable, with the former also being able to slide fore/aft. The second row also tumble folds out of the way to provide access to the third row, although it’s not one motion. As on US models (Thailand is the third country in the world to launch the CR-V after the US and Canada), there are air vents for the second row, but the third row gets unique vents on the roof, tour bus style.
The third row split folds 50:50, and the boot floor can be set in two positions – the higher position is to ensure a flat load area with the third row folded. The full size spare tyre is located inside the car, under the third row.
Up front, while the basic interior architecture of the Thai CR-V is similar to the US-market car – a “floating” centre stack, TFT LCD virtual instrument display and Civic-style three-spoke steering wheel are highlights – the regular automatic gearlever has been replaced by an NSX-style button selector, with the reverse button deeply recessed to prevent accidental operation. The ‘electronic gear selector’ is only for the diesel engine; the petrol version gets a normal gear lever (more on engines later).
The exterior design is also significantly more modern. Like the US car, the Thai-spec CR-V comes with optional LED headlights (nicely integrated into Honda’s Solid Wing Face corporate look), chunky wheel arches, an upswept D-pillar kink and L-shaped LED tail lights. Top-spec cars get turbine-style 18-inch six-spoke alloys (235/60 tyres); base variants get 17-inch items (235/65 tyres).
Also new for the CR-V in Thailand is a diesel engine option. The 1.6 litre N16 DOHC i-DTEC turbodiesel from the outgoing European-market model makes 160 hp at 4,000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. The oil burner is paired to a ZF nine-speed conventional automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, and comes with idle stop.
The i-DTEC should give the CR-V ample pulling power, but not everyone is comfortable with diesel. The starter petrol option is the carryover 2.4 litre K24 naturally-aspirated DOHC i-VTEC engine with 175 hp at 6,200 rpm and 225 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Earth Dreams CVT gearbox has been carried over for the Thai-market previous-gen facelift (Malaysian cars are using a five-speed automatic).
Both engine options can be had with AWD, and there are two trim levels for each, making it four variants in total – 2.4 E 2WD, 1.6 Turbo E 2WD, 2.4 EL 4WD and 1.6 Turbo EL 4WD. Prices range from 1.399 million baht (RM179,511) to 1.699 million baht (RM217,974).
Standard kit on Thai CR-Vs include LED headlamps and daytime running lights, a powered tailgate, leather seats, digital meter with MID, smart key and push start, walk away auto lock, cruise control, eight-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar, Bluetooth, electronic parking brake, auto brake hold and six airbags.
Thais who move up to the EL trim level gain goodies such as auto headlamps and wipers, kick-operated handsfree access tailgate, 18-inch rims (up from 17-inch), wood trim (matte finish, smooth satin feel to it), dual-zone air con, four-way powered front passenger seat, seven-inch touchscreen head unit with navigation and Apple CarPlay, HDMI connector, LaneWatch and Driver Attention Monitor. Of course, there’s a full set of Modulo add-ons, which we will show you in a separate gallery later.
Honda Thailand expects 40% of CR-V buyers to opt for the costlier diesel engine – are Malaysians open-minded enough to accept the i-DTEC in significant numbers? We’re guessing no, so expect the 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine from the Civic to be our Melaka-assembled range topper. Like what you see?
GALLERY: Honda CR-V 1.6L i-DTEC EL 4WD
GALLERY: Honda CR-V 2.4L i-VTEC E 2WD
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
trendier to have more seats every day. airlines also squeezing more seats lol.
3rd row no aircond vents? I’ll pass this. Next!
3rd role have air-con on the roof
@umbro 3rd row aircond is provided, as mentioned in the article, and shown in the photo gallery
Read the article please.
Aircond on 3rd row top like bus. Got 4 vents there. Please don’t kupik to see gallery photos lol
I’m tall my head will knock it everytime, ughhh
Shd be fine
Lawa giler..JPJ, PDRM & Kastam bleh tukar Honda CRV, Kawasaki Versys 650 & Ford Ranger
Fugly nuff said
Honda, please make sure all your CRV/HRV front head lamps low beam lights cut-off does not glare incoming traffic. Also make sure there’s auto levelling system is calibrated.
See, all important cars are now launched in Thailand. Our KLIMS? Konon name is International but nobody launches cars there. Only sell lubricant oil, and banks stand there and try to sign you up for their credit cards
Really malu. It is time that KLIMS be abolished. I am shocked that now, every car is launched in Thailand. Surprisingly, in the 90s, Malaysia was the Detroit of Asia.
But because of bodohism, all car companies diverted their Billions to Thailand instead of Malaysia. We lost about close to 1 Trillion Ringgit in investments as well as few hundred thousand jobs. All now in Thailand.
Bolehland never was Detroit of Asia.. have proof? Don’t include car produce by p1/p2. Then compare with car production in Thai n Indo in the same period. See if indeed Bolehland was Detroit of Asia that time.
As some says, better dun build here cuz they say will no quality one. Better build in tomyam, cuz we all want impoted not CKD or Made in MY.
Kunta, got jobs created by Protong.But at rm15 Billion of taxdollars….and now more to keep P1 afloat since the white knight wants a massive dowry before marrying Protong.
Where got 15 billion?
Yes, agree with U we were once the Detroit of Asia. We were once the Tiger of Asia too in terms of economic power. Sad to say, we lost out to Thailand as the Motor Hub of Asia.
To add insult to injury, we also lost our economic prowess to our neighbors in SEA. Fortunately, we still have our EGO intact albeit slightly Dented.
Back to the 7-seater CRV. When is Honda M’sia bringing it here ??
Loosing to Thai & Indo ain’t humiliating but, Vietnam . Their Liberalised, modern era government just set their development plan back in 1986, in which not long Potong kaki was setup. But now, Vietnam already surpass us by miles, even they wanted to be next Asia superpower with the ability to challenge the BIG guns like of China & Japan.
Soon Bolehland will loose to Cambodia and even Laos… We are seriously moving backwards.
But the irony is, Indo Vietnams Combodia Laos are coming here to seek for jobs. Pity My pipu. Hidup susah merempat.
Thats why u should migrate to thailand…berambus la cepat so that we have less annoying people like you…and the rest can berambus to singapore bcoz over there cars are so cheap and properties are even cheaper than here…so what are you waiting for..just get lost lor…
China is coming!!! Hohoho
i have to stay here bro. Otherwise, who else going to work hard?
There are just too many poor Malaysian like you, who still failed to understand why paying so much for merely making a living. But, only jealous of other cause you are not capable. Good luck poor creature.
impressed with the boot space when all seats are up..about 300 liters of space maybe?
Dun be fooled by your own eyes
volvo XC90 @ 1/3 price
Would be the best seller in the same category even the design not as remarkable as expected.I’ll get this in 6 months time.Any Honda SA here?
Come on HM, bring the turbodiesel model here…..berani laa skit….
Siapa nak beli?
I have been looking forward to buying the diesel model, so please bring it to Malaysia.
Design like this consider berani. It’s either to be success due to majority bad taster in the market or it’s failure due to its ugliness.
Volvo SUV rear looks better
Volvo XC90 at half the price! Heres ur price reduction!
XC90 at half of XC90 price! Honda FTW!
Honda > Volvo China
Honda > all
Pls bring the 5 seater rather than 7 seater because…
1) 3rd row is so small for adult
2) 3rd row safety is questionable..this is where your child will seat. There are no crumple zone.
3) It is add up unnecessary weight
4) It eat-up storage… where majority buy CRV due to storage.
5) No storage cover… wow your valuable is expose !!
6) CRV is designed in USA with 5 seater. 7seater is just patch-up…
People want 7 seater.. buy MPV. It is design for people mover with proper safety.
7 seater will sell well here cause so many got anak 5 or 6 orang
For those who kahwin 4
I sure this model can sale well. Easily can kill Proton Exora in term of number of sale!
Pipu on the last row get barbecued, so hot
the article says
“… but the third row gets unique vents on the roof, tour bus style.”
#facepalm
Hot or not, we must accept Proton Exora is outdated. Buy Honda CRV better!
3rd row still crampy for adults
as one of the 1st batch owner of G4 CRV , i will wait for facelift in 3 years time before changing because honda malaysia is well known to shortchanged their most loyal customers. Bought mine & need to pay extra for reverse sensor and other standard accessories.
it is called marketing strategy bro..
Well… This new Honda CRV is a totally new design whereas the design for current & previous Honda CRV are almost the same. Thus, it is irresistible not to get this new one ….
Like the new Honda’s aggressive design concept. This new design concept has change the old simple CR-V design with the new LED lamps especially at the front. The interior is also marvelous which i like the gear knob that is placed at the centre dashboard that follow the 2 previous old CR-V design cue
where are the parking sensors?
yer…. why the tail light like that?
Taillights so ugly..volvo tk jadi…haiyaaaa
No worry…Honda Malaysia won’t sell 7 seater as confirmed by HM Sale Person in Melaka Training now. Also lots of spec will cut down for sure….
No worry… Honda Malaysia only sell 5 seater. It is confirmed by HM sale person who currently having training in Melaka. Lots of spec cut out to lower the price.
If 5 seat, cx5 might be a better choice
The gear lever is absent,replaced by recessed button.
What if the driver apply extra pressure accidentally on the reverse gear button?….Honda Malaysia…can any expert answer this?
What happens if the driver apply pressure accidentally push the gear lever to Reverse gear?
Please include Honda sensing which is an important safety feature available in USA. As Indonesia will launch its new Honda CRV with Honda Sensing, I cant see why Malaysia cant come with it.
Wont work here. Most of our road no lane mark.
New Honda CRV has scored well with Top Safety Pick + in IIHS crash test in USA recently….
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/honda/cr-v-4-door-suv/2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv6Qr6nYykA
Deswai i says CRV is same-same with XC90 but half price. Somemore is jepunis mari, not China mari
Both engine options can be had with AWD, and there are two trim levels for each, making it four variants in total – 2.4 E 2WD, 1.6 Turbo E 2WD, 2.4 EL 4WD and 1.6 Turbo EL 4WD. Prices range from 1.399 million baht (RM179,511) to 1.699 million baht (RM217,974)
Wonder what would be the price here….
I tot tomyam car price is cheap? Maybe they have Trotong & Terotdua, their national car there.
Disappointing. Putting the money back into account.
Danny,
“Both the second- and third-row seats are reclinable, with the former also being able to slide fore/aft as before.” — Are you sure the second row slides fore/aft (as before)? Our current gen CRV second row seats don’t. They only tumble fold to create more boot space.
You’re right about that, corrected
Dam, why can’t Honda Asia use the US Odyssey design whereby the middle row can slide sideways?
The 3rd row aircon is taking a lot of head space. Looks as if “the Hulk” sat on it and u have than big weird shape about your head. That’s the only thing I don’t like seeing protruding.
Wish it will be designed slimmer and not “I’m in your face” Air conditioning……. just looks weird.
The third row looks uncomfortable. Enough space, but the seat is way too low to the ground. That means all the weight is on a small part of the passengers rear end, and the knees are way up in the air. Same issue with the old Touran. And it looks like you can’t even cross your legs, yoga style, in this car. Not enough space.
its not meant for adults or kids. maybe for fetus
Lol, look at that screen