
The launch of the new Honda CR-V is right around the corner, with the company posting a teaser on its X (formerly Twitter) page of the car shrouded in darkness.
Making things even more intriguing is the fact that Honda is also offering motorists the chance to get behind the wheel of the upcoming SUV before the car’s official launch event.
“Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on an exclusive pre-launch test drive!” it says on Honda South Africa’s official website, with the only requirement being to fill in a “pre-launch form” online to be able to join the manufacturer for a “superb event.”
Get ready for the All-New Honda CR-V unveiling! Enter your info and be 1st to test drive. Prebook today! https://t.co/qJlgyafbkz#HondaCRV #Honda #BuiltForMemories pic.twitter.com/tSjaZ9BR7Q
— Honda South Africa (@HondaSA) January 16, 2024
An early access look
The CR-V is the brand’s flagship SUV in South Africa, putting it ahead of other models like the BR-V, HR-V, and WR-V.
Interestingly, despite the manufacturer allowing customers to drive the new CR-V before it has officially gone on sale, it has not provided a full breakdown of what the car features.
The last major news regarding the SUV came in 2022 when Honda revealed the next-gen CR-V ahead of its 2023 release date, but the year came and went with no update to the South African roster.
While the engine selection has not yet been confirmed for South Africa, other markets in which the SUV is already available have access to a 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol powerplant with 140kW and 240Nm, which links to a CVT transmission, but this has been bolstered by the addition of a new hybrid option.
The electrified plant combines a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors over the rear axle in order to generate a total of 152kW and 335Nm.
The car is slightly bigger than before while retaining the same recognizable shape, being 69mm longer and 13mm wider with a 41mm longer wheelbase.
This has had the benefit of growing the boot from 522 litres to 582 litres, with a larger capacity of 1,027 litres when the rear 60:40 bench is folded down.
A few of the features previously announced by Honda include new LED headlights and alloy wheels, an eight-way electrically-adjustable driver seat, a 7.0-inch digital driver display, a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring.
More information on the new Honda CR-V, including its South African engine and model line-up, equipment list, and pricing will be revealed closer to its official reveal in the near future.
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