2015 Honda CR-V Facelift Launched In Malaysia: New 2WD Variant Debuts

Right after a very successful year that welcomed the all-new, all-conquering Honda Jazz and Honda City, Honda Malaysia are kicking off the year with this rather unexpected hit, the Honda CR-V facelift – we say unexpected because you, like us, would probably have been expecting its smaller and much-hyped HR-V to debut before this. Surprise!

Taking nothing away from the smaller HR-V that’s due to launch next month (February), here is the new 2015 Honda CR-V: adorned with a refreshed look, some added kit, and a whole new variant to spice things up since the all-new model made its local debut 2013.

On top of the ‘Comfortable Runabout Vehicle’s’ new looks, what ought to also catch your attention is the option of a third CR-V variant, the 2.0 i-VTEC with 2WD (FWD), which slots in nicely at the base of the range –don’t say we didn’t warn you! The previous 2.0-litre model with 4WD is elevated to being the mid-range model, while the top-spec is still the 2.4-litre 4WD.

Buyer’s Guide:

Despite the many changes brought forward for the CR-V through its global model update, the Malaysian-spec CR-V benefits mostly through an exterior design update, an interior shake-up and a new base model introduction. The new 2.0L 2WD CR-V expands the car’s price range from RM150k (2.0L 4WD) to RM169k (2.4L 4WD), to a new RM139k (2.0L 2WD) to RM169k (2.4L 4WD).

Honda Malaysia’s impressive five-year warranty with unlimited mileage is extended to the new 2015 CR-V, and includes the six free labour services (with alternate paid service until 100,000km).

PRICES ( OTR with insurance):

• Honda CR-V 2.0L 2WD: RM139,800
• Honda CR-V 2.0L 4WD: RM150,800
• Honda CR-V 2.4L 4WD: RM169,800

KEY SPECS: 2015 Honda CR-V 2.0L/ CR-V 2.4L

• Engine: 2.0-litre i-VTEC SOHC/ 2.4-litre i-VTEC DOHC
• Transmission: Five-speec torque converter automatic
• Drive: 2WD/ 4WD
• Power: 155PS @ 6,500rpm/ 190PS @ 7,000rpm
• Torque: 190Nm @ 4,300rpm/ 222Nm @ 4,400rpm
• Fuel Consumption: 13km/litre  (2.0L 2WD), 12.2km/litre (2.0L 4WD), 11.78km/litre (2.4L 4WD)

So what’s new?

PERFORMANCE: The powertrain department has been left unchanged by Honda Malaysia, despite the new CR-V introducing a CVT transmission in other regions of the globe. The trusty and conventional five-speed automatic transmission (5AT) is maintained, whilst paired with either 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre engines. The 4WD variants will also continue to feature Honda’s Real-Time 4WD system.

Also limited to the 2.4L 4WD variant are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

NEW 2.0L 2WD: Sending power to the front wheels, the new Honda CR-V 2.0L bears the familiar 2.0 itre i-VTEC SOHC engine, which delivers 155PS and 190Nm of torque. It’s only natural to also expect better fuel economy for the 2WD CR-V, and to aid this is an ECON Mode Switch Button which tones down throttle response and remaps the transmission shift points to emphasise fuel efficiency. The 2.0L 2WD also weighs 20kg less than the 2.0L 4WD, and 40kg less than the 2.4L 4WD.

But just because prices are a bit more affordable for this variant, it doesn’t mean the 2.0L 2WD falls short with spec by any measure. The base variant benefits from Smart Entry with Push-Start Button, the new LED daytime running lights, an eight-way driver power seats, and more. It’s no slouch for safety either, with four airbags, Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill-Start Assist, a Reverse Camera with Rear Parking sensor and much more.

Exterior Styling:

One of the key highlights of this CR-V’s update is seen on its exterior, with the car adopting new LED daytime running lights that surround the bi-xenon projector headlamps, a new front grille design, new 18-inch alloy wheels (for 2.4-litre only, 2.0L get 17-inch).

The level of exterior design can be further enhanced by Honda’s Modulo packages, which are split in two options: the Aero Package, and the Elegant Package. Here’s what extra you gets on each of these packages – bear in mind that you can mix and match these packages to your liking:

AERO PACKAGE: RM6,000

• Tailgate Spoiler
• Front Aero Bumper
• Running Board (side steps)
• Rear Aero Bumper
• Exhaust Pipe Finisher

ELEGANT PACKAGE: RM4,500

• Tailgate spoiler
• Running Board
• Tailgate garnish
• Exhaust Pipe Finisher
• Front Bumper Garnish

UTILITY PACKAGE (interior): RM3,000

• Puddle light
• Illuminated side step
• Cargo tray & net
• Door visor
• Trunk organiser
• Front foot light & rear foot light

URBAN PACKAGE (interior): RM2,650

• Cargo step protector
• Illuminated side step
• Cargo tray and net
• Door visor
• Trunk Organiser
• Front foot light & rear foot light

Interior Design and Features:

Inside, the CR-V maintains its familiar appeal, but has been embellished with a few new treats that keen eyes may have already spotted. Firstly, there’s a new radio head unit for the mid- and high-spec CR-V 2.0L 4WD and 2.4L 4WD.

INFOTAINMENT: The previous 6.1-inch display screen has been replaced by a new, larger, 7.0-inch display audio system – both variants of the car feature the same head unit, but the range-topping 2.4-litre gets the same, with an additional Navigation feature as standard. All the car’s infotainment is managed within, with HDMI (only for 2.4L), Bluetooth, MP3 and USB connectivity.

The base 2.0-litre 2WD model gets a more basic integrated Audio 1 CD with MP3 compatibility.

Further up, the i-MID display screen which houses all your rear-time trip displays is maintained as the good ol’ five-inch screen. Here, rear-view camera displays are also available for all variants of the CR-V.

LANEWATCH: Bringing forward what’s good on the Honda Accord, the CR-V 2.4L gets the impressive Honda LaneWatch system, which displays a camera view of the driver’s left side blind spot when the signal indicator is directed to the left. Pair this with the multi-angle rear-view camera (on all variants), and there’s a pretty good sweet spot for surrounding visibility. But is it a match for the X-Trail’s Surround-View Monitor?

POWER SEATS: Another new item for the entire range of new Honda CR-Vs is the availability of an eight-way power adjustable driver seats.

Safety Features:

Honda is maintaining its generous standard safety features across all variants, with only the top-spec 2.4L 4WD benefitting from an extra two side curtain airbags. Apart from this, it’s a standard four airbags (dual front SRS, side), ABS, EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), reverse camera with rear parking sensors, Security Alarm with Ultrasonic, rear ISOFIX child-seat anchors and more.