Loyal TOV reader Dan forwarded this July '09 Mag-X piece on the 2012 CR-V. TOV member 'sugaki' was kind enough to provide a translation of it. Thanks go out to both.

In summary, Mag-X says that the basic requirements for the next generation CR-V (production code 2WS) have been settled and Honda is currently focusing on the styling direction for the 4th generation of their compact SUV. Due to the current CR-V's popularity abroad, it is said that the new model will be very similar in size to the current version. The dimensions projected by Mag-X reflect very small increases in length, width and height (4535x1820x1685 mm).

Mag-X mentions that Honda is aiming to improve the CR-V's sales performance from the current pace of around 800 units/month to around 1130 units (an increase of about 40%). Honda originally intended to sell the current model at a rate of roughly 2000 units/month. (Side note: even in our incredibly poor market conditions, the CR-V sold at an average rate of 560 units PER DAY in the USA last month). The targets for the US-market are not mentioned, but supposedly Honda is looking to increase monthly sales in Europe by around 5% (up to 5350 cars/month).

Mag-X asserts that for cost-saving reasons, the next-generation CR-V will be based upon the current platform, and the 2.4L K24A engine will also carry over. A 2.0L version is also being planned for entry level Japanese market FWD-only trims. Mag-X goes on to say that Honda is considering saving the introduction of an advanced engine for a big mid-cycle model change. Additionally, according to the article are no plans for a V6 engine for North America.

According to the article, there are no plans to introduce a diesel CR-V in Japan, but the diesel will continue to be offered in the European market. It is also noted that production of Honda's i-DTEC diesel engines will shift from the Suzuka factory to the new Ogawa factory starting in the fall.

Mag-X says the exterior design should be finalized by November of this year, and the new CR-V is planned to be announced in September of 2011, with a formal introduction taking place in October of 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show.



The image caption is said to read: "'Premium' and 'sporty' are the keywords to the next-gen CR-V design."

Last edited by Jeff on June 19, 2009 23:32