Honda Australia is expected to introduce the all-new 5th-generation CR-V soon, one of the most anticipated models to arrive this year, and now it’s been confirmed for landfall in July as well as to be available in both 5- and 7-seater configurations.
“For Australia, the Honda CR-V will be a significant player in the medium SUV segment. As well as the VTEC Turbo engine line-up across the range, family buyers will also appreciate the versatility afforded by being able to choose between a five, or seven-seat models. Our customers have been asking for this level of versatility and now we’ll deliver it,” said Stephen Collins, Honda Australia Director.
“Because of its success overseas, our customers already know it’s coming. It’s clear both our existing customers and potential buyers currently in-market for a medium SUV, are already putting the Honda CR-V on their shopping lists,” he continued.
It’s been argued for a good while now that the Japanese marque needed a proper 7-seat SUV, so those waiting years for one can now rest a little easier knowing that’s it is soon to emerge in local showrooms.
The timing is apt as well, with the competitors such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento sweeping up customers that might have considered a Honda alternative. Not to mention the new Mazda CX-9, incoming Skoda Kodiaq, Holden Equinox, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace - all of those either have or can be had in a 7-seat config.
It was also confirmed that the all-new Australia-spec CR-V will receive a turbocharged engine, namely the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol in the 10th-generation Civic, albeit tuned to deliver 140kW (up from 13kW) while torque remains at a healthy 240Nm.
It’s paired to a Honda’s Earth Dreams Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that, depending on variant, transmits power to two wheels or all four of them. As of now there aren't any plans to expand that engine line-up to include a diesel or hybrid option as is available in other markets.
In essence, then, the CR-V we’ll be getting in a few month’s time is none too different from the spec that was originally announced back in October: new design, all-new platform, new interior, and presumably a strong offering of tech and safety features.
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