The facelifted Honda CR-V has finally arrived in Malaysia. And the biggest takeaway from the official announcement of the 2020 model is that of a new 1.5L TC-P 4WD sitting at the top of the range – the VTEC Turbo model used to be offered here exclusively with a 2WD powertrain. 

The option for a 1.5L TC-P 2WD soldiers on, this time as a mid-spec model, while a naturally-aspirated 2.0L 2WD variant continues to prop up the range, with the price of entry now being RM139,912 (RM145,400 with sales tax).

For the money, you get Honda's tried-and-tested 154PS/189Nm SOHC i-VTEC four-pot mill and a richer kit count than before. Neat features like the Honda Lanewatch camera and remote retractable door mirrors are now part of the standard package, as well as minor cosmetics constituting the 'facelift' element which include new LED headlights, bumper and grille combo, smoked tail lights and dark chrome trim in the rear. 

At RM157,616 (RM164,300 with sales tax), the CR-V 1.5L TC-P 2WD gets a pair of chrome tail pipes and 18-inch wheels to match its peppier output. It also gets remote engine start and a hands-free power tailgate, which is probably the most practical addition to arguably one of the most versatile SUVs in its segment today. The Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which is made up of adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation and lane keep assist among others, is also part of the deal. 

As its name suggests, Honda CR-V 1.5L TC-P 4WD adds on all-wheel drive to its 2WD namesake's generous package. It is priced at RM162,910 (RM169,900 without sales tax). While it may be completely unrelated, the addition of a 4WD model can certainly pass as a clever attempt to woo SUV suitors who appreciate the all-terrain versatility away from the hugely popular Proton X70, which has gone completely 2WD ever since local assembly began. 

To date, Honda Malaysia has sold over 104,000 units of the CR-V in Malaysia, with the facelift already receiving 600 bookings after the company's 102 authorised dealerships began accepting orders last month. Expect to see more of these on our roads in coming months as the Japanese carmaker is looking to sell 700 units of its latest SUV on a monthly basis moving forward.