Honda CR-V gets new look and safety features missing in Brazil

After updating the HR-V and Civic, it’s Honda’s turn to give the CR-V a makeover. The SUV has undergone changes to the bumpers, wheels, radiator grille and equipment package.

This, in fact, is one of the big news for the line in the United States. Honda Sensing, the brand’s semi-autonomous feature package, is now standard for all versions of the North American CR-V.

Sensing features include adaptive cruise control with autonomous braking and lane keeping assistant.

Furthermore, the hybrid version of the CR-V will also be made in the USA. It uses a 2.0 pseudo-Atkinson cycle engine which, assisted by an electric motor on the rear axle, allows the delivery of a combined power of 212 hp.

And in Brazil?

As the CR-V sold in Brazil is imported from the United States, the debut of the restyled version here is natural. Officially, Honda told QUATRO RODAS that it “does not comment on its business strategy”.

The expectation is that the new CR-V will debut in the country a few months after its launch in the United States, scheduled for the beginning of 2020. It is possible that the brand will also import the hybrid version, which was exhibited at the last São Paulo Motor Show to test public receptivity.

Offering Sensing in all versions is a facilitator for Honda to bring the package to Brazil, but it is not a guarantee: the current Touring version, sold for R$ 194,900, always had safety systems in the USA, but the brand produced units with an equipment package specific to Brazil.

Currently only the Accord has Sensing in Brazil. Even updated, the new Civic and HR-V Touring still do not offer the package, although the North American versions of the duo offer the systems in all versions.