The facelifted Honda CRV is here, just in time to have a fight with the all new Nissan X-Trail. With a refresh face, the CRV now looks much better, especially with its new rectangular fog light, instead of the old round units. Throw in lots of chrome and silver, the effect is an immediate elegance, with touch of luxury. Engines choice remain similar, with a 2.0-litre (153hp/190Nm) and a 2.4-litre (187hp/222Nm), both mated to the five speed transmission. Paddle shift is standard only for the latter model, where it get the now popular Honda 7" Display Audio, with HDMI input. The 2.0-litre now has a 2WD variant, which could be the mainstream choice, as it start from a competitive RM140k, with most features similar to the higher end models.
New to the 2.4-litre variant is the Honda lane watch camera on the passenger side. Tapping the left signal activate the camera, providing an added comfort of safety view to the driver. 6-airbag is standard, as well as rain sensor for the wiper, wheel size of 18" and the navigation map. Though most will not like the map provided by Honda as it is not very good. The others safety and comfort features such as 4-airbag, ABS, VSA, HSA, auto dim rear view mirror, bluetooth, power seat, cruise control are standard across all variants. The 4WD 2.0-litre is asking for RM150k, where the 2.4-litre is priced at RM169k. With only 5 seats available and fold flat rear seats, the CRV is still an innovative SUV when compare to the Nissan X-Trail. The boot when flat folded, provides a big 1,146 litre of space, which could easily fit your at least 2 bicycles.
Interior is similar, except for those variant with the 7" display. Looks like Honda is giving most its model the fake leather stitching on the dashboard, which tends to collect dust instead of bringing luxury feel. The seats are nicely bolster, and comfortable, and only the 2WD variant get the fabric treatment, where the rest get them in leather.
.jpg)
Similar to the front, the rear of the CRV has added chrome and silver and the rear reflector is now beside the tailgate instead of at lower level of the bumper. Rear third brake light is now in red lens instead of clear len, which make it consistent to the tail lamp cluster, giving a more coherent look. The facelift CRV looks in fact better, with more features, and worth consider for those that is looking for a SUV. However, if you do not want to be categorized as a soccer mum, do look at the new Nissan X-Trail as well, which looks more manhood!
