2023 Honda CR-V for Thailand to get e:HEV, VTEC Turbo variants
44th Bangkok Motor Show to see the ASEAN debut of sixth-gen Honda CR-V
As early as January, we already know that the sixth generation Honda CR-V will be making its way to Southeast Asia. This comes after the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) announced that the crossover will be launched at the 44th edition of the annual event.
But while BIMS has already declared that the next-generation crossover is set to be revealed at BIMS 2023, Honda Thailand actually kept quiet for some time. Fortunately, the automaker has officially confirmed that the all-new CR-V will indeed be launched at this year's BIMS.
According to Honda Thailand, the 2023 CR-V will take the SUV to the next level with its new line of features, a sporty and more premium exterior and interior design, as well as extra peace of mind courtesy of the Honda Sensing suite of intelligent driver aids.
Looking at the teaser images Honda Thailand shared, the e:HEV will likely serve as the top-of-the-line variant as it will come with the RS appearance kit, bigger alloy wheels, and body-colored wheel cladding. Meanwhile, the VTEC Turbo could be the entry-level (or mid-grade) version with its smaller wheels, simpler exterior bits, and black body cladding.
While the official specs and features have yet to be revealed, the automaker did announce that the Thai-spec CR-V will be available with two powertrain options; the 2.0-liter e:HEV full-hybrid system and the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo. Output figures for both engines are not yet available as of this writing. But a quick look at what the US market gets has given us an idea of just how much power each powertrain produces.
The 2.0-liter e:HEV is assisted by a pair of electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack – giving the crossover a generous 204 PS and 335 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo provides the CR-V 190 PS and 243 Nm of torque. There is no mention, however, of the 1.6-liter i-DTEC turbo-diesel engine for the Thai market. This doesn't come as a surprise since Honda Thailand already dropped the diesel engine in July 2022.
With the Thai market set to get the CR-V in VTEC Turbo and e:HEV flavors on March 22, does this mean the next-generation CR-V for the Philippines will no longer be available with a diesel? And could the 2.0-liter VTEC also meet the chopping block in favor of the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo?
We'll find out once the all-new CR-V also makes its way to the Philippines after Thailand. But for now, we certainly cannot wait to see the next-generation crossover be revealed in The Land of Smiles.
