The final pieces of the Thai puzzle are finally in place as Honda Cars Philippines has announced the availability of the Thai-built CR-Vs starting today at all Honda dealerships nationwide. While the Japan-made CR-V models dubbed 2.0 LX and 2.4 EX are available for a limited and at a discount (P 100,000 for the 2.0 LX and P 130,000 for the 2.4 EX), the arrival of the Thai-built CR-V means more variants, more features, and of course, a cheaper price tag.

Dropping the LX and EX monikers, the Thai-built CR-V will now be designated as V, S, and SX—matching the 2011 models. There are 4 variants in total: 2.0 V M/T, 2.0 V A/T, 2.0 S A/T, and 2.4 SX A/T all boasting of more features and slightly cheaper prices than their Japanese counterparts.
Outside, all CR-Vs will receive a slightly re-tweaked front bumper which fits the Philippine number plates better than the Japanese model. In addition, the black plastic cladding has been replaced by a “classier” gray one. The daytime running lights, of course, are gone but in its place are projector headlights with HID for all models except the base V. Likewise, the side mirrors are now power folding and feature new LED turn signal indicators.


Inside is where the biggest change is to the 2013 CR-V. The most noticeable difference is the relocation of the parking brake from a hand-type to a foot-operated type. This frees up an additional cubby hole for a mobile phone or toll cards. At the same time, i-MID or Intelligent Multi-Information Display is now standard across the CR-V line and is accessible via a steering wheel mounted control.  Cruise control is also standard now and so are rear air conditioning vents.

Bidding adieu on the 2013 CR-V is the sun roof and Bluetooth hands-free on the 4WD but in its place, you get leather seating (leather is also standard on the S model) and a Smart Key with push button engine start/stop. Like before, the 2.0 V and 2.0 S benefits from dual SRS airbags and ABS/EBD while the 2.4 SX receives additional side airbags (total of 4), vehicle stability control, and hill start assist. The 2.4 SX also receives a rear parking camera.


In terms of colors, there’s a slight tweaking of available palettes. The 2.0 V is available in Crystal Black, Taffeta White, and Urban Titanium while the 2.0 S and 2.4 SX are available in Crystal Black, Twilight Blue, Urban Titanium, and for an additional P 20,000 you can opt for the White Orchid Pearl.

As for the price, the 2013 CR-V is now closely priced to the 2011 model. This means the 2.0 V M/T is P 1,275,000, P 2.0 V A/T is P 1,325,000; 2.0 S A/T is P 1,390,000; and the 2.4 SX is P 1,525,000.