Face-lifted Honda CR-V spotted testing, may hit India in 2012

Honda is planning to launch a face-lifted version of their CR-V SUV in the near future. Spy shots of the upcoming Honda CR-V were taken while the vehicle was being tested in China.

Honda’s American website has asked enthusiasts to register on their website in order to get updates about the new CR-V.

In India, the CR-V was first launched in 2003, and it got a facelift in November 2009. Whether the new facelifted version will hit the Indian market soon is not clear.

But given competitor and market leader, Fortuner is expected to come out with a facelift in 2012, Honda would do well to bring the new version in 2012. Here is what the new version could deliver.

Exterior

The fresh spy shots of the upcoming CR-V revealed that the rear styling and the tail lamp resembles the Volvo XC60. In a previous story CarToq had reported in May 2011 that there have been significant changes in the SUV.

The D pillar and the extended region appeared to be hiding a third row seat. With a third seat, the CR-V proposition could improve significantly. There is also speculation that the new model may have slight changes in its dimensions to improve fuel efficiency.

Engine

The new CR-V will likely be powered by the same 2.4 litre i-VTEC engine, but the power and torque configurations could be altered for better mileage. However, the biggest expectation among CR-V fans is that Honda may offer a diesel engine. So far, there has been no comment from Honda on the issue.

Honda has a 2.2 litre i-DTEC diesel motor that powers the European-specific Honda Accord. If either this engine comes in the India-bound face-lifted CR-V, the Toyota Fortuner and its likes would be in trouble. Also read: Honda CR-V and Accord to get diesel engines

Competition

The face-lifted CR-V will compete with cars like the Toyota Fortuner, BMW X1, Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Captiva and new models such as the yet-to-be launched Chevrolet Captiva, Renault Koleos, Ssangyong Korando and the upcoming Audi Q3. Also read: Upcoming SUV launches

Price

According to an Indiansarsbikes.com story, there is a possibility that Honda will assemble the CR-V in India. If this happens, the CR-V could be priced 20-30% lower than the current price (which is Rs 22.6-Rs 24.8 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi).

That essentially means, the 2.2 litre 2WD version could be priced at Rs. 22.04 lakh (Rs. 56,600 lesser) and the 4WD version could be priced at Rs. 24.30 lakh (Rs. 56,600 lesser). Further, with the launch of diesel variants that could be priced at roughly Rs. 1 lakh more than the petrol variants, the price range of the upcoming CR-V could be between Rs. 22 lakh to Rs. 26 lakh.

A new facelifted CR-V, with more seating capacity and better mileage from a diesel engine, could provide the much-needed boost to CR-V sales, which is practically nothing in the Indian market.

(Photo Courtesy: auto.163.com)