Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) said it would launch four new models in the year 2023, including one hybrid vehicle.

The first was the Honda Civic Type R FL5, which debuted on January 2023. The second and third cars were the updated Honda City and updated Honda Brio that were launched simultaneously on July 13, 2023.

AutoFun Philippines has discovered what car number four is – the all-new Honda CR-V crossover, which is expected to launch locally as early as September 2023. 

This is according to multiple sources with intimate knowledge of the upcoming model, but requested anonymity because of lack of authority to speak on the matter.

Return of the Honda hybrid

Aside from being the last model that HCPI will debut this year, the CR-V will also be the latest hybrid vehicle that the Japanese carmaker will bring to the Philippines.

Although HCPI has yet to release any official specifications, the CR-V is available in other markets with a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor.

The CR-V e:HEV has a combined output of 204 PS and 335 Nm of torque, which are coursed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with optional all-wheel-drive.

This model has three operating modes: EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode and Drive Mode. Aside from these operating modes, the vehicle has three other drive modes, including Sport, Normal and Eco. 

Our sources also told us that, aside from the hybrid model, there will be a non-hybrid CR-V. This will likely be powered by the turbocharged 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine found in the Honda Civic.

This motor produces 190 PS and 243 Nm of torque and is mated to a CVT.

There is no official word yet on how many variants would be brought to the Philippines. But all models will likely come standard with the Honda SENSING active-safety suite.

Honda CONNECT

Our sources also told us that the all-new CR-V will be the first model to feature the app-based Honda CONNECT system.

Similar to NissanConnect Services in the latest Nissan Almera, Honda CONNECT allows owners to monitor their CR-Vs using their smartphones, along with controlling the vehicle’s various functions.

The system was first unveiled at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show on September 2022. 

“The Honda CONNECT aims to provide safety, security, and convenience through its different features such as vehicle diagnostics, remote applications, security applications, vehicle tracking, and support services,” HCPI said in a September 2022 press statement.

“Working well in both Android and iOS operating systems, having the Honda CONNECT is similar to having a personal assistant and will certainly enhance the ownership experience,” the company added.

In neighboring markets like Malaysia, Honda CONNECT includes functions like:

• Automatic Collision Detection

• Security Alarm Detection

• Speed Alert

• Find My Car

• Geo-fencing Alert

• Emergency Call

• Car Status

• Remote Vehicle Control

• Service Reminder

Are you looking forward to the latest Honda CR-V?

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