2012 Honda CR-V ready to drive in November

By Hawke Fracassa of Torque News
Honda has invited the auto press in Detroit to road test the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V sport-utility vehicle on Nov. 10 at the Baronette Renaissance Novi Hotel. Reporters from TorqueNews.com and others will be given an exclusive briefing and an opportunity to drive the 2012 model.

The Honda CR-V has consistently been the top-selling SUV in America. More than 140,000 CR-Vs have been sold in 2011.

Now completely transformed and heading into its fourth generation, the 2012 Honda CR-V is moving toward a more sophisticated direction with refreshed styling, improved fuel economy, innovative technology and even greater value for the money, Honda believes.

Honda wants auto critics to see for themselves "how Honda has made the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment even better."

Members of the 2012 CR-V R&D team and American Honda product planning executives will be at the briefing in the northwest Detroit suburb to explain the CR-V development story and provide insight into Honda's sales and marketing plans.

Driving begins for the first group of reporter drivers at 10 a.m. and the second wave will be on the streets of Novi near the hotel in Oakland County at 2:30 p.m. Reporters who go to the event will not be able to share their impressions with readers until Nov. 16 because of an embargo asked for by Honda.

The all-new 2012 CR-V will have a new look inside and out, a more fuel-efficient engine and will be lighter.

Honda's big sell is the CR'V's solid track record. From 2007-10 the CR-V was the best-selling SUV in America.

The current CR-V continues to sell at a record pace and quality of one of the reasons. The 2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study and has been sold globally in more than 160 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It is assembled in Ohio at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. The plant earned a Silver Award for outstanding quality in the quality study.

The 2012 model will be in showrooms by Christmas after making its official debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A concept model (pictured) made its world debut at the Orange County Internarional Auto Show in California.

Source;
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/restyled-2012-honda-cr-v-ready-drive-november

2012 Honda CRV Caught Testing in Europe

We've already brought pictures of prototypes, the concept version and more importantly, the official design patents of the upcoming 2012 Honda CR-V, but our persistent spy photographers just caught up with another test model of the compact SUV in Europe.

While it's only a matter of weeks before we see the final production model in North America as it is due to be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show before hitting showroom floors by the end of the year, European consumers will have to wait another year for the new CR-V to arrive in dealerships.

The European-flavored 2012 CR-V will feature the same styling as the North American version but will be offered with a larger variety of four-cylinder engines including an all-important turbo diesel.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/09/spied-honda-continues-testing-european.html

2012 Honda CR-V Concept Makes World Debut

Concept version of upcoming production model reveals dynamic, new look
09/22/2011 - ANAHEIM, Calif.
The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept made its public debut at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, Calif., today, and introduced the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V. The 2012 CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States by the end of the year and will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

"The 2012 CR-V Concept strongly hints at the more dynamic and refined look of the upcoming model," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "As the best-selling SUV in each of the past four years, the 2012 CR-V promises to build on its highly successful formula with even more style, innovative features and higher fuel economy."

The CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction for the top-selling1 SUV in the United States. Compared to the current-generation CR-V, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper's smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

The CR-V's signature vertical rear taillights remain for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. The CR-V Concept's large 5-spoke machined alloy wheels and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability.

The all-new 2012 CR-V will improve upon the current model in a variety of ways, and will feature a more fuel-efficient engine and reduced body weight. In addition to all-new exterior styling, the 2012 CR-V will have an all-new interior with a more accommodating and spacious design.

Currently in the fifth year of its model cycle, the CR-V continues to sell at a record pace. The 2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS), where it finished second to the Honda Element in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V is sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-V is manufactured in Ohio at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., using domestic and globally sourced parts. The East Liberty Auto Plant earned a Silver Award for outstanding quality in the recently released J.D. Power 2011 Initial Quality Study. The 2012 CR-V Concept will be at the Orange County International Auto Show from September 22 to 25 in the Honda display.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Future Vehicles (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com/future-cars
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

1The CR-V is the best-selling SUV in the United States by calendar year from 2007 thru 2010.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/2012-honda-cr-v-concept-makes-world-debut

2012 Honda CRV Design Leaks Out

Well, can't really tell from these photo's whether or not there's a 3rd row, although with the 2nd row window placement you could certainly make a case for there being one. Sounds like Honda is going with 2 different engine choices, the 2.4L and a new 2.5L, and that there will be a DVD model.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/2012-honda-cr-v-final-design-leaks-out/

Vtec.net: Automotive News Supplier Chart reveals 2012 CR-V Engine Specs?

Interesting, a 2.5L engine, will this help in the towing dept? Torque isn't up that much (177). Can't wait, I really like what they are doing to this CRV....
Automotive News often publishes graphics highlighting the various suppliers for new models, and they've published one of these for the upcoming 2012 CR-V.

This graphic happens to contain a little bit of info concerning the specifications of the 2012 CR-V, of particular interest is a new engine designation "New-K25". Horsepower for this 2.5L iteration of the venerable K-series engine family is listed at 201hp@6000rpm, with 177lb-ft of torque. This tends to confirms rumors that had been floating around for awhile concerning a 2.5L fitment in the 2012 CR-V.

There is also a "K24" listed, spec'd at 175hp and 170lb-ft. The info on this chart also suggests that the 2012 CR-V will launch with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also, while we're talking about the 2012 CR-V, it's been reported in our forums that the new model will offer a RES (Rear Entertainment System) option. Presumably, this will be a DVD-based system like all current Honda and Acura RES setups. The 2012 CR-V is expected to reach dealerships in the November/December 2011 timeframe.

Engines
2.4L 16v dohc I4
Program: K24
Horsepower: 175@5,500
Torque: 170 lbs. ft.

2.5L 16v dohc L4
Program: New-K25
Horsepower: 201@6,000
Torque: 177 lbs. ft.
Transmission Platform/Program: M-5AT-1
Design: A5
Plant: Russells Point, Ohio
Manufacturer: Honda
Source: IHS Automotive

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1002394

2012 Honda CRV Trim Levels and Colours for Canada

Same trim levels as 2011 anyway....

2012 Honda CRV LX-2WD

NH-731P Black ext / Black int

NH-700M Silver ext / Black int

G-532M Green / Grey int



2012 Honda CRV LX-4WD

same as above adding;

B-570M Blue ext / Grey int



2012 Honda CRV EX-2WD

same as above adding;

NH-737M Grey ext / Black int

changing int colour for B-570MX Blue ext / Beige int



2012 Honda CRV EX-4WD

same as above including both Blue interiors and adding;

NH-731PX Black ext / Beige int



2012 Honda CRV EX-L 4WD

same as above



2012 Honda CRV EX-L Navi 4WD

same as above



Source;

Honda Canada

Rumours; 2012 Honda CRV and 2012 Honda CrossTour

Nothing confirmed, but nothing denied either....



Looks like the rumours of the Honda CRV having a 3rd row could be indeed true. If what I heard is right, Honda is looking to take the CRV into a larger territory, still smaller than the Pilot, but bigger than previous generations, say something like the Hyundai Santa Fe size, and with that - to fill a potential void of a smaller SUV (it's still going to be a cute ute) will be a 4 cylinder Honda Crosstour (officially dropping the Accord moniker).



Source;

Honda Canada

2012 Honda CRV Caught without Camo

I got to say, I am really liking this redesign, and that's not to say anything bad about the current one. Great shot of the interior and I love that front end.



Source;

http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.com/2011/08/all-new-honda-cr-v-caught-undisguised.html

TOV: 2 Videos of 2012 Honda CRV caught on tape by Priddy and Assoc.

Source
www.vtec.net

European Market 2012 Civic and CR-V to be built at Honda’s UK Plant

Honda announced today that it will manufacture the new Civic hatchback and the next generation of the CR-V SUV at its Swindon plant in the UK.

The five-door hatchback version of the new Honda Civic, which we previewed earlier today (see here), is designed exclusively for Europe and will only be built in Swindon. The Civic was first introduced in 1972, and is now in its ninth generation. It will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Production of Honda’s European compact-sized hatchback will commence in late 2011, and sales will begin in early 2012. Like the current generation, it bears no resemblance to the US model. However, Honda has also patented the sedan version of the Civic in Europe so it could be offered alongside the hatch.

As for the European market version of the new CR-V, which was unveiled a few days ago as a concept model, it will go on sale in the fall of 2012. The production version will probably have little -if any- differences from both the concept and the US model that will reach showrooms by the end of the year.

In addition to the announcements concerning the manufacturing of the new Civic and CR-V at Swindon, Honda also revealed that production at its UK plant that had been disrupted due to shortage of parts after the March 11 earthquake and Tsunami in Japan will return to normal levels in September.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/07/european-market-2012-civic-and-cr-v-to.html

More details emerge about the 2012 Honda CR-V

The 2012 Honda CR-V Crossover Concept’s solitary image has been leaked by Honda to build buzz around Honda’s most popular Crossover. Along with that, Honda has also slipped in a few details about the Crossover that prospective 2012 CR-V buyers would be very eager to know. For the Indian car market of course, Honda will launch the 2012 CR-V sometime later next year, even as the international launch of this car is scheduled for later this year.

The 2012 Honda CR-V will be lighter and feature a more fuel efficient. Lighter also could mean faster. So, expect the 2012 Honda CR-V to be quicker off the block than the current version. This apart, the 2012 Honda CR-V will also continue to feature a diesel engine for the European market, which is something Honda India will be seriously contemplating for India, considering the plastering the petrol version is now getting from the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Chevrolet Captiva.

The 2012 CR-V is also touted to arrive with new interiors that will be more versatile and spacious. Honda also has added a “more accommodating” tag to the Honda CR-V’s interiors and whether this means an addition of two more seats at the rear to take the seating capacity of the Crossover to seven adults, is something we still need to wait and watch. Other than this, the 2012 CR-V will also feature a lower cargo area at the rear for easier access.

Meanwhile, here's what Honda America’s Executive Vice-president for Sales, John Mendel has had to say about the upcoming 2012 Honda CR-V.

The 2012 CR-V Concept introduces the exterior styling for the more sophisticated and dynamic design of the upcoming production model. Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda’s latest technologies for convenience and refinement.

Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/honda-crv-46040/#more-46040

2012 Honda CRV Sketch

Well here's a sketch with the direction that Honda was going with the 2012 Honda CRV, even though we have an official concept image already released it's nice to see the raw idea.

Source;
http://visions-autos.sport24.com/645027/Honda-CR-V-2012/

2012 Honda CRV Test Mule involved in Accident

Don't hear of this very often, but it's funny how the Honda get's hit by a Toyota....
Follow this link for the full story and more pic's (orig. source via www.autoblog.com);

http://www.notcot.com/archives/2011/07/the-car-accident.php

2012 Honda CR-V Concept - Official Image and Info

Honda calls it a concept, but this is the next CR-V.
BY JUSTIN BERKOWITZ, PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT WHITLEY, KGP PHOTOGRAPHY, AND THE MANUFACTURER July 2011

Honda has released a picture of the concept version of its next-generation CR-V, and it looks, well, pretty much like we expected based on recent spy photos. The vehicle seen here is, as is typical with Honda’s concepts, a loosely disguised version of the production car.

That’s not to say that when the fourth-generation CR-V arrives at dealerships some time in late 2011, it will be festooned with some of the concept’s more colorful design elements. Items like the smoked-out headlights, prominent front skid plate, gargantuan wheels, and polished black lower trim likely will remain the domain of the show car. Otherwise, though, what you see here is what we’ll get.

Despite a relatively significant change in the CR-V’s design—it’s major by Honda’s conservative standards, at least—the new car will be mechanically similar to the one it replaces. Front-wheel drive definitely will again be standard, with optional all-wheel drive returning to the menu, too. It’s doubtful that Honda will make any major changes in the engine department from last year’s car, meaning that buyers will probably get a 2.4-liter inline four good for about 180 hp. Unlike the 2011 CR-V, which had a five-speed automatic transmission, the new model is likely to receive a six-speed unit. If Honda does go this route, you can expect a modest boost in fuel economy over the current CR-V’s 21 mpg city/28 highway for front-drive models and 21/27 for those with AWD.

While the CR-V has never fully roused the enthusiast’s soul, it has always been one of the more involving small crossovers to pilot. (Pun intended as an excuse to post a link to the face-lifted 2012 Pilot, which Honda also announced.) At the same time, the CR-V has been one of the more practical and easy-to-use small utes, too, a factor we’re sure is of higher importance to most of the people with one in their driveway. (There are a lot of those people: 227,760 CR-Vs were sold in the past 12 months alone.) We don’t expect those traits to change with this next-gen model, although we’ll have to wait until Honda decides to show us the production model to find out for sure.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q2/2012_honda_cr-v_concept-official_image_and_info

WorldCarFans: 2012 Honda CR-V spied hot-weather testing

Next-generation of Honda's CR-V SUV will have new front and rear fascias and a bigger boot area

Our spy photographers have caught the upcoming next-generation 2012 Honda CR-V doing some hot-weather testing in Death Valley, USA.

The CR-V prototypes spotted here come in different colors including blue and black, some of which are hauling trailers to test the CR-V's towing capabilities.

The camo is only covering the front and rear ends, so we expect substantial changes to the front and rear fascias in terms of bumpers and headlight clusters. Also, the car's roof looks lower and the rear boot area between the B- and C-pillars appears to be little longer than on the current generation.

This SUV seems about ready to go to production and the 2012 Honda CR-V is expected to debut sometime later this year.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/111071835004/2012-honda-cr-v-spied-hot-weather-testing#ixzz1SUUHv300

TOV and Priddy: New Spy Shots! 2012 Honda CR-V!

Out of respect for TOV and Brenda Priddy, I have supplied the link to the 3X Spy photo's;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=991215

Close-up: 2012 Honda CR-V!!
Honda has been doing a good job of hiding the next-generation CR-V, but today, we've finally gotten close up to a lightly disguised prototype! The biggest changes appear to be at the rear, where Honda almost looks to be taking a page from the Volvo design handbook.

It's possible that the extra space in the back is making room for a 3rd row. There seems to be some significant changes up front as well. The 2.4L four-cylinder VTEC motor should continue to be the only choice. Though we expect it to get a modest bump over the current 180hp, as well as a modest gains in fuel economy.

While the earthquake in Japan has delayed the start of production by about a month, expect the new CR-V to start rolling down the assembly line in Ohio, as well as Alliston, Ontario, in late Fall of this year.
Photo Credit: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company

2012 Honda CRV Trim Levels (US) revealed on Arizona Dealers Facebook Page

Interesting, a RES model for CRV, for those who don't know, RES = Rear Entertainment System (DVD), so, this could be Honda's first factory installed DVD going into a 5 seater or there's some kind of truth to the rumour of a 3rd row, stay tuned!
Special recognition for this find goes out to TOV member: "Gusteez"


Below are the 2012 CR-V color combinations, also posted on the dealer's facebook page:

CR-V 5DR 2WD LX
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
TAFFETA WHITE/GRAY

CR-V 5DR 2WD EX
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BEIGE
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BEIGE
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
WHITE DIAMOND PEARL/BEIGE

CR-V 5DR 2WD EX-L
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BEIGE
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BEIGE
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
WHITE DIAMOND PEARL/BEIGE

CR-V 5DR 2WD EX-L RES
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BEIGE
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BEIGE
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
WHITE DIAMOND PEARL/BEIGE

CR-V 5DR 2WDEX-L NAV
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BEIGE
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BEIGE
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
WHITE DIAMOND PEARL/BEIGE

CR-V 5DR AWD LX
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
TAFFETA WHITE/GRAY

CR-V 5DR AWD EX
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BEIGE
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BEIGE
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
WHITE DIAMOND PEARL/BEIGE

CR-V 5DR AWD EX-L
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BEIGE
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BEIGE
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
WHITE DIAMOND PEARL/BEIGE

CR-V 5DR AWD EX-L RES
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BEIGE
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BEIGE
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
WHITE DIAMOND PEARL/BEIGE

CR-V 5DR AWD EX-L NAV
CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BLACK
URBAN TITANIUM METALLIC/BEIGE
TWILIGHT BLUE METALLIC/GRAY
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BLACK
OPAL SAGE METALLIC/BEIGE
POLISHED METAL METALLIC/GRAY
BASQUE RED PEARL II/GRAY
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/BLACK
ALABASTER SILVER METALLIC/GRAY
WHITE DIAMOND PEARL/BEIGE

Original Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=989754

Facebook Source;
http://www.facebook.com/EarnhardtHonda

2012 Honda CRV Rearend Spyshot

Spied somewhere in China where apparently the current CRV is very popular.

Source (via www.burlappcars.com);
http://auto.163.com/

2012 Honda CRV website up and running

Shrawan Raja of the sites below was kind enough to send a 'heads up' to the new 2012 Honda CRV teaser site up and running here http://automobiles.honda.com/2012-cr-v/

http://indianautosblog.com
http://indianmotosblog.com
http://steeringnews.com
This is straight from Shrawan's site;

Here’s what the website says -

With a new design—both inside and out, new features and new possibilities, the 2012 CR-V will set a new standard for the class. As a top-selling crossover for over five years, expectations for the 2012 CR-V are high and we’re confident they will not only be met, but exceeded. Much more will be revealed over the next several months so be sure to sign up on this page to receive updates.

The new CR-V is a crucial model for Honda in India as the 20-30 lakh rupee crossover/SUV space is prone to a lot of tussling. The Chevrolet Captiva, BMW X1, Toyota Fortuner and the Renault Koleos are very desirable cars and feature-packed and stylish enough to take away limelight away from the Honda. The lack of a diesel engine is hurting its sales in India. In America however this won’t matter as the market share of diesel cars is not considerable.
It is said that the new CR-V (codename 2WS) will arrive with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 180 – 220 horsepower. A hybrid variant is reportedly another development exclusive to the Japanese and American markets

The incoming model according to reports online will be marginally shorter (4,535mm x 1,820mm x 1,685mm as opposed to the current model’s 4,575mm x 1,820mm x 1,680mm (L*W*H respectively) ) and slightly more fuel economical.

Source:
http://indianautosblog.com/2011/06/2012-honda-cr-v-microsite-live#ixzz1QTwURi00

2012 Honda CRV and Volvo XC60 Similarities

Nice read, and shocking how similar the CRV and the Volvo XC60 really are....
This, we are told, is the new 2012 model year Honda CR-V, known internally at Honda as the 2WS. Yes, that wedge shaped rear does remind us of a Volvo XC60. According to the folks at Autoblog, the elongated D-pillar suggests a third row seat. We think that's quite a possibility given that the CR-V's main rival, the Toyota RAV4, comes with a third row seat option in the US. Although it needs to be noted that US market RAV4 is slightly longer than their Japanese / European market equivalents.

On critics saying that the CR-V apes too much of a Volvo XC60 - give the same brief to two different designers working separately, to design a mid size urban soft-roader SUV that appeals to the masses, I reckon that both will still come to a similar solution. Being a mass volume product, cost is imperitive, so tail lamps stretching horizontally across the tailgate will be ruled out due to assembly and wiring harness cost. The only way left to go is for the tail lamps to be stacked vertically. Fuel economy concerns will dictate that a gradually slopping rear is favoured to reduce aero-drag. Plus the side windows profile and overall silhoutte needs has to project a youthful-sporty appeal. Hence that pronounced shoulder line that rises upwards to the rear to give the illusion of motion. Thus explains similarity. Sure there are other ways to achieve the same, but one needs to consider the complexity of the design which will then affect the steel stamping, logistics (flat body panels are favoured as they take up less space) and assembly take time.

On this side of the world, punitive taxes on imported vehicles coupled by the fact that the aside from China, Japan is the only source for right hand drive Toyota RAV 4 meant that Honda's hold on the passenger car based / unibody SUVs is uncontested. Nissan X-Trail is a bit more utilitarian, and the local distributors of Nissan Edaran Tan Chong Motor have sort of dropped the ball with the second generation X-Trail. In its heydays, Nissan used to shift almost 300 units of the first generation X-Trail a month. Now it registers just barely above 100 units a month. So by default, it is going to be another winner. Those in the know however, who are brave enough to break away from the herd mentality will opt for the Hyundai Tucson / ix35. Brilliant car in our opinion. It's cheaper and backed by a 5-years warranty.

Powertrain for the 2012 CR-V will be carried over from the current generation model, meaning a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and in some markets, a 2.4-liter as well. European markets will receive a diesel option. Expected public launch will be in the coming 2011 Tokyo Motor Show this December. Local market launch should start sometime around Q2 2012. That is of course, assuming that the Mayans were wrong about the world collapsing by 2012.

Source;
http://www.theautoindustrieblog.com/2011/05/honda-cr-v-2012-spyshot.html