2023 Honda CR-V arrives in Thailand in two seating configurations

KUALA LUMPUR: The all-new sixth-gen Honda CR-V is one of the four upcoming Honda cars that are slated to be launched in Malaysia later this year. Well, ahead of the local arrival, the much-anticipated SUV has made its debut on the Thailand shores at the ongoing 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show.

Honda Thailand offers the all-new 2023 CR-V in five variants - E 2WD 5-seater, ES 2WD 5-seater, EL 4WD 7-seater, ES 4WD 5-seater, and RS 4WD 5-seater. The price starts at THB 1,419,000 (RM 185,357) and goes all the way up to THB 1,729,000 (RM 225,851).

The three lower trims are powered by a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo engine, which kicks out a maximum power of 190 PS at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 240 Nm at 1,700 to 5,000 rpm. The power is sent to the wheels via a CVT gearbox mated to either a 2WD or 4WD system as per the variant picked.

The two higher trims, ES 4WD and RS 4WD, on the contrary, are equipped with e:HEV hybrid units. The said system combines a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and delivers a total system output of 184 PS and 335 Nm. Sending power to all four wheels is an e-CVT gearbox.

In terms of features, the all-new Thai-spec Honda CR-V comes kitted with the following bits, depending on the variant picked - 

• Full LED headlights with daytime running lights
• Sequential LED front turn signals
• LED front fog lights
• LED tail lamps
• 19-inch two-tone alloys
• Walk away auto close 
• Panoramic electric sunroof

• 9-inch infotainment unit supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• 10.2-inch digital metre panel
• Head-up display
• Built-in navigation
• Keyless entry with push start button
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Power-adjustable front seats
• 12-speaker Bose sound system 
• Front/rear parking sensors

Parts of the 2023 Honda CR-V safety kit are eight airbags, Honda LaneWatch, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, and Lead Car Departure Notification.

Six exterior shades available for the new CR-V in the neighbouring market are Canyon River Blue Metallic (e:HEV variants only), Ignite Red Metallic (e:HEV RS variant only), Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl.

Also read: Honda Malaysia pulls the plug on the BR-V