Honda Malaysia has announced that pre-orders for the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V have been opened. Locally assembled (CKD) at Honda's plant in Melaka, the sixth generation of Honda's best-selling SUV is planned to be launched in December.

The all-new 6th-gen CR-V made its world debut in July 2022 in Canada though it would take another 9 months before it made its Southeast Asian debut at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) in March.

The all-new CR-V would eventually be launched in Indonesia and the Philippines but it has yet to arrive in our neighbour south of Johor Bahru. So it's probably safe to say that the all-new CR-V will be launched in Malaysia ahead of Singapore.

Also read: After Thailand and Indonesia, Philippines next to launch 2023 Honda CR-V; Prices up by 13 percent

Just like our ASEAN neighbours, the Malaysian-spec CR-V is offered with two engine choices – a turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC engine (192 PS/240 Nm) and a 2.0-litre dual motor i-MMD petrol-electric hybrid (combined 184 PS/335 Nm). The turbo variant is offered with Honda's Real Time AWD system.

Also read: Despite being the priciest variant, 73% of Indo buyers chose the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine has been discontinued. With the introduction of the e:HEV RS hybrid variant, this marks the first time the CR-V is offered in Malaysia with a hybrid powertrain.

This 2.0-litre two-motor hybrid powertrain is also shared with the Civic e:HEV RS hybrid.

The e:HEV RS serves as the flagship variant of the local-spec CR-V and is equipped with 18-inch Berlina Black wheels and an Active Shutter Grille which is equipped for the first time on a Malaysian-spec model. Mounted on the front lower bumper, it intelligently regulates cooling airflow by automatically opening and closing the shutters based on the car’s speed, engine temperature and cooling needs.

The all-new CR-V is also equipped with an upgraded Honda Sensing system with a wide-angle radar, camera, and sonar sensor for Low-Speed Braking Control. Meanwhile, the driver-assistive technology now has a total of 9 Honda Sensing safety functions with the addition of Adaptive Driving Beam.

Exclusive for the e:HEV RS variant, the Adaptive Driving Beam makes its Malaysian debut on the sixth-gen CR-V. It enhances the driver’s visibility and reduces dazzle for preceding and oncoming vehicles.

Improved with better line tracing and steering assistance, the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) in the all-new CR-V also enables easier cruising on open roads and highways.

Other features available on the all-new CR-V are a Hands-Free Power Tailgate with Walkaway Close and a 360-degree multi-view camera.

Still, it is expected that the all-new CR-V will see around 10-15% increase in price over its predecessor as seen in our neighbours.

Also read: Another round of price up for Honda CR-V Hybrid in Indonesia, how much more expensive will it get for Malaysia?

Just to recap, these are the prices and range of the outgoing CR-V in Malaysia:

• CR-V 2.0 2WD – RM 146,900
• CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD – RM 165,800
• CR-V Black Edition – RM 170,400
• CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD – RM 171,400

There will also be a general public preview of the all-new CR-V ahead of its official launch at participating dealers nationwide from 17 November to 10 December. Customers who want to place bookings for the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V can either log on to prebook.honda.com.my, download the HondaTouch application on their smartphones or visit any of the 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide.