Bangkok 2017: Honda CR-V Thai Market Preview; 1.6 i-DTEC & 2.4 i-VTEC

The all-new 2017 Honda CR-V is coming to this region soon, with our Thai counterparts in AutoSpinn getting a quick preview of the vehicle ahead of the Thai market launch set to take place on 24 March 2017, ahead of the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show.

Four model variants are being planned for the Thai market, which will be getting the CR-V with seven seats as standard. As with the current model, there will be a choice between front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

Engine options consist of a 2.4-litre petrol model with a CVT and, for the first time in this region, Honda’s 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel engine mated with a ZF-sourced 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Previously offered only in the European market, Honda’s i-DTEC turbodiesel puts out an impressive 160hp @ 4,000rpm and 350Nm @ 2,000rpm.

The CR-V’s new platform offers, as before, all-round independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup astern. Tyre size is an unusual 195/60 R18.

A notable feature of the CR-V’s interior, as you would see in these pictures sent to us from AutoSpinn, is the button-operated interface of its automatic transmission. This feature likely comes exclusive with the diesel model’s ZF 9-speed auto.

In other markets, US notably, we found petrol-powered variants of the CR-V to come with Honda’s in-house CVT to utilize a more conventional PRNDL shifter. The electronic parking brake should be standard for all though.

Safety-wise, Honda provides the Thai market with six airbags as standard for all variants of the CR-V.

Accounting for its newfound brief as a seven-seater, the 2017 CR-V features dedicated cooling for rear passengers complete with a separate cooling coil.

With its Thai market launch in the horizon, the all-new 2017 CR-V’s arrival in Malaysia is likely to be around the corner as well. The diesel model, whilst grabbing headlines in the Thai market, is unlikely to make it here, however, owing to continued concerns of diesel quality in our market.

A more likely powertrain selection for our market would be the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine presently available in the Civic and may be the 2.4-litre i-VTEC motor shared with the Accord. Expect a mix of front- and all-wheel drive variants as well.