Honda South Africa has revealed that the new CR-V will be launched locally by year-end and will bring with a series of changes to the existing model line-up.
The current (third-generation) CR-V has been soldiering on in our market place for the best part of five years and has undergone a series of specification updates as well as a mild facelift a couple of years ago.
We’ve now heard that Honda Motor South Africa has plans to launch the new model towards the end of November/early December, shipping schedules permitting.
The folks at Honda Motor South Africa are playing their cards close to their chests when it comes to divulging future model line-ups and specification, but have stated that the new model will bring with it changes to the current model line-up, which currently encompasses eight models spanning three specification lines, two transmission choices and three engines (2,0- and 2,4-litre petrol i-VTEC units and a 2,2-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel).
Besides undergoing s major re-style that gives the CR-V a more angular and aggressive air, the new model’s platform reportedly frees up additional cabin and luggage space thanks to a lower floor. The fascia also draws inspiration from the Civic, with a tiered dial layout.
The engine line-up for European-spec models (which will be offered on our market) includes tweaked versions of the existing 2,0-litre i-VTEC petrol and 2,2 i-DTEC diesel, both of which have undergone changes to improve efficiency while, in the case of the petrol, serving up a modest power hike from 110 kW to 114 kW.
The new CR-V will also introduce a front-wheel drive entry-level model which, shorn of heavy torque-apportioning all-wheel drive underpinnings, should go some way to aiding fuel savings and emissions ratings. It’s not yet clear if such a model will find its way here, though.
