5 Things You’ve Got To Know About The New 2015 Honda CR-V

With Honda Malaysia due to launch the all-new HR-V very soon, the company has decided to take the time between here and then to officially debut its facelifted 2015 CR-V. There’s lots of digest with the new ‘Comfortable Runabout Vehicle’, and if you insist on having ALL the information in one page, you can check out our Full Launch Report.

But if you’re looking for some news on the fly, here are five of the most important things you need to know about the new 2015 Honda CR-V.

There’s a more affordable variant to choose from:

With only two 4WD options to choose from previously, Honda Malaysia has decided to introduce a third option: the CR-V 2.0-litre 2WD. Powered by a familiar engine, the 2WD makes the same amount of power as the 2.0L 4WD (155PS, 190Nm), and is paired with the same five-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Power is only sent to the front wheels.

With both 4WD options carrying forward their price tags (RM150k, RM169k), the 2WD variant brings the entry price point to a lower RM139,800 (OTR with insurance). Other benefits of the 2.0L 2WD include better fuel efficiency, generous specifications, and more.

Like the new looks?

Yes, the CR-V facelift does come with a few exterior design updates, most notable of which are LED daytime running lights integrated into the front headlamps, a new front bumper, new-design 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, a Modulo exterior package, amongst four other exterior and interior package options.

New features, now with Honda LaneWatch!

The Honda LaneWatch feature that was first seen in Malaysia on the top-spec Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L has been brought into the CR-V. Limited to just the 2.4L 4WD, a camera positioned just beneath the left wing mirror offers drivers a video display of their left-side blind spot every time the indicator is signalled to turn left. And if that’s not enough, you may be encouraged to know that ALL variants of the CR-V get rear-view cameras with reverse parking sensors.

One other notable feature introduced with the new CR-V includes a Honda 7.0-inch touch-screen control display infotainment system – this is however, only available to just the 4WD variants (mid, high-spec). The 2.4L 4WD gets the same radio, but with added HDMI connectivity, and a full-on navigation system.

Some missing spec?

Unfortunately, while the 2015 CR-V’s facelift was even called the “most significant facelift in the history of the nameplate,” our local-spec car doesn’t benefit from all the goodies introduced in the US and European-spec cars. So that’s bye, bye to all of Honda’s superb safety features like Honda Sensing, Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and more.

Also unavailable to the Malaysian-made 2015 CR-V is a CVT (continuously variable transmission) transmission, which was seen in the US and Europe to displace the previous five-speeder auto we get now.

However, even missing some of these things, the Honda CR-V manages to be quite the competitive package in the country.

Feisty Competition

While Honda Malaysia may have recorded one of its best-selling years yet in 2014, courtesy of the successful debuts of the Honda Jazz and Honda City, the Honda CR-V is due for some serious competition in the market. Very soon, Edaran Tan Chong Motor will unleash its assault in the mid-size SUV segment via its all-new X-Trail, and on Mazda’s front sits the very much in-demand CX-5.

Which would you have?

Don’t forget to check out our FULL LAUNCH REPORT when you do have the time :)