Official patent images of the 2012 Honda CR-V have surfaced ahead of the all-new SUV’s debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
The images reveal a design that largely remains true to the Honda CR-V Concept, which the Japanese manufacturer released in July, and support spy images of a CR-V under wraps in China that we posted last month.
Honda Australia has previously confirmed the new 2012 Honda CR-V will hit local showrooms in the second half of next year, following an overseas launch that will take place before the end of this year.
The 2.4-litre petrol engine is expected to carry over from the current model, although it will likely come with increased power and torque figures and reduced fuel consumption. The current model has maximum outputs of 125kW/218Nm, and uses 10.0 litres/100km of fuel on the combined cycle.
A six-speed automatic transmission is expected to replace the current five-speed in the fourth-generation compact SUV.
A number of questions still remain over the new model.
The first is if Honda Australia will introduce the front-wheel drive variant of the 2012 CR-V. With prices for the current model starting at $28,090 for the base model all-wheel drive, the addition of a front-wheel drive could potentially drop the entry price even lower, making the CR-V one of the hottest-priced SUVs on the market.
Another question is whether the new CR-V will have an optional third row of seats, making it a seven seater and an alternative to traditional people movers. The peculiar, inflated shape of the rear has led a number of people to speculate that the new model will offer a third row.
More details will be revealed in just under two months’ time at LA. Until then, let us know, would you buy a front-wheel drive CR-V, or a seven seater?
