Next-gen Honda CR-V finally reaches ASEAN market

MANILA: In Thailand, the 2023 Honda CR-V has made its debut. This provides a broad concept of what the CR-V built for the Philippine market would look like.

The amber turn signals and available wheels account for some of the major variations between the 2023 Honda CR-V models sold in ASEAN and the US. The ASEAN version even retains the American version's amber corner reflectors, which is kind of intriguing. In addition, the CR-V of the next generation has a new version. The crossover gets an RS model for the first time in its history.

It gains a few additional inches from bumper to bumper and has a bolder, sharper appearance than before. For this generation, Honda truly stuck with the vertical taillights.

The 2023 Honda CR-V's inside features a minimalist dashboard akin to the Civic's. The digital instrument cluster and standalone infotainment screen are still included, and it ought to include wireless charging and Apple CarPlay capabilities. According to Thai sources, the CR-V will be available with five or seven seats, just like the outgoing model.

There are no additional diesel options for the sixth generation CR-V, insiders claim. A hybrid system with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gas engine and two electric motors has taken its place. The system's combined output is rated at 207 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque, which is significantly greater than the diesel it replaces.

The 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine that Honda used to power the entry-level CR-V from 2007 has likewise been discontinued. From this point forward, all Honda vehicles, regardless of price point, are equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC Turbo engine. The CR-V, however, has the same output as the Accord rather than the 176 horsepower version of the Civic. It produces 192 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque.

By March 20, complete information and specifications for the ASEAN-spec Honda CR-V 2023 will be made available. Also, there's a significant probability that the crossover will make its public premiere at the opening-day Bangkok International Motor Show. It can take a few more months until the local launch arrives in the Philippines.

Photos from Honda

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