Honda may introduce its new CR-V in India with a diesel engine too, apart from the 2.4-litre petrol. Honda refused to sell the CR-V with a diesel heart due to concerns about fuel quality. However, fuel in India is getting cleaner thanks to BS-VI emission norms that will come into effect in 2020.
The 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel unit makes 158hp at 4,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. This motor will be mated to an all-new ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox. Honda will also offer a 2.4-litre petrol motor as part of the engine line-up. Honda also showcased an ASEAN-spec CR-V recently. The crossover for these markets will have seven seats, as opposed to the five-seat version seen on its North American counterpart. The ASEAN-spec CR-V is likely to debut in Thailand soon.
On the inside, it is equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rest of the interior is also finished using high-quality, soft-touch materials. Honda will improve the CR-V's appeal when it goes on sale with a diesel engine – it will help the car compete better with the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, the upcoming Jeep Compass, the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour.