PETALING JAYA, Jan 22 — Honda Malaysia begins 2015 on a promising note with the launch of a face-lifted CR-V to reassert the model’s position at the top of the mid-sized crossover SUV segment.

Further widening the model’s already popular appeal, the 2015 CR-V now has an additional 2WD, 2.0 litre variant to complement the existing 2.0 and 2.4-litre 4WD models. With a lower starting price of below RM140k, Honda can now offer a more affordable SUV for city slickers who deem 4WD unnecessary. Besides, with a lower weight and less drag from the drive train, the 2WD CR-V should be more economical on fuel.

Speaking at the new model’s launch held at Setia Alam, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Yoichiro Ueno said: “The SUV segment has shown significant growth over the years and SUV buyers have expanded from the traditional family to single and outgoing adults.

“Based on market feedback, we found that there is a bulging demand for two-wheel-drive SUVs. Reflecting this demand in our line-up, we are implementing the 2.0-litre 2WD variant for the new CR-V.”

Priced RM11,000 below the 2.0 4WD model, the new CR-V 2.0 2WD shares the same four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC powertrain with an output of 155PS and 190Nm of torque. The 2.4 also continues with its existing engine, namely the K-series twin-cam engine with a more potent 190PS and 222Nm on tap. Both engines are mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Benefiting from its reduced drivetrain weight, the new 2WD variant offers better fuel consumption and straight line performance. Honda’s data show that the 2WD model is half a second faster (12.2 seconds versus 12.7) from 0 to 100kph and has a top speed 2kph higher (185 vs 183) than the 4WD model.

The new base model loses little in standard equipment either, carrying various bits of premium kit such as Smart Entry with Push-Start Button, LED Daytime Running Lights, 8-way driver power seats, reverse camera, and Honda’s fantastically convenient One-Motion Rear Foldable Seats that extends the CR-V’s cargo capacity from 589 to 1,146 litres.

Building on its achievement garnering a five-star rating from Asean NCAP last year, the CR-V continues to make safety a key agenda of its preposition. All variants are specified with very high levels of safety, with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Emergency Stop Signal, and Hill Start Assist being standard fit. Airbag count stands at four (frontal and side) for both 2.0-litre variants and six (frontal, side, and curtain) for the 2.4.

Finally, the 2.4 also receives Honda Lane Watch, a feature pioneered in the Accord that supplements the driver’s view of the passenger side mirror with a live visual feed.

The new CR-V is available in five colours — Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White, Twilight Blue Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl. Pricing starts at RM139,800 for the 2.0-litre 2WD model going up to RM150,800 for the 2.0 4WD and RM169,800 for the 2.4 4WD model.

Customers have the option of adding in any one of four accessories packages ranging from RM2,650 to RM6,000 depending on items included.

In after sales, Honda Malaysia prescribes a service interval of 10,000km for the new CR-V; costs in the first 100,000km are offset by six labour free services alternating with paid services. The vehicle is also protected by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.