THE new Honda CR-V has proven its supremacy in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment again, with 1,400 bookings and hitting a two-month sales target within a week of its launch in mid-July.

Honda Malaysia had set a monthly sales target of 700 units for the new CR-V, which are priced without insurance at RM142,400 (2.0-litre 2WD); RM155,700 (1.5-litre turbocharged 2WD); RM161,600 (1.5-litre turbocharged 4WD) and RM167,700 (1.5-litre turbocharged Premium 2WD).

Of the four variants, the 1.5-litre turbocharged Premium 2WD is the most popular accounting for 40% of the bookings, followed by 1.5-litre turbocharged 2WD at 31%, 2.0-litre i-VTEC (2WD) at 20 % and 1.5-litre turbocharged 4WD at 9%.

In total, bookings for the turbocharged variants stood at 80%.

Despite the high demand, Honda Malaysia is ensuring that the waiting period for customers is one to two months, without compromise to quality.

The fifth-generation new CR-V has a bolder and tougher-looking exterior, with ground clearance improved to 198mm (2WD) and 208mm (4WD), which is higher than its predecessor’s clearance of 170mm.

The sleeker solid wing face and angular body lines, complemented by a full LED package comprising LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and LED front fog lights, give it a visibly premium quality.

For the interior, it is all about “beautility” where beauty refers to the class-above quality, while utility is what the CR-V has been known for.

Rear legroom is now roomier with 90mm more space, while cargo space can be extended up to 1,084 litres when the rear seats are laid flat.

Cabin comforts include a seven-inch advanced display, with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a multi-angle rearview camera, USB and HDMI ports, hands-free telephone with voice recognition, and eight speakers.

Safety features now standard across all variants include six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Alongside the standard features of an electric parking brake, auto brake hold, and walk-away auto lock on all variants, the top-grade CR-V gets a programmable powered tailgate, Honda LaneWatch camera, auto high beam and active cornering light.

Also, the top-grade CR-V has a comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing safety systems that break new ground in its segment, as these driver-assist technologies are typically found in cars from premium marques.

The Honda Sensing system consists of forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation system and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.

The top-grade CR-V 1.5 TC-P (two-wheel drive) also took top honours at the CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2017, by taking the “Car of the Year” title.

The awards, organised by Star Media Group, honour the best passenger vehicles in the market and recognise the automotive industry as one of the key pillars of the economy.

The top-grade CR-V also won the Best SUV/Crossover - Mid-size 4X2 as well as the Most Well-Specced Mid-size SUV/Crossover categories.

Award judges were impressed by the top-grade 2017 CR-V won as it is more powerful, continues to offer sedan-like handling, provides well-engineered interior spaciousness and practicality, and is packed to the brim with comfort and high-end safety features.

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