Here's why the 2024 Honda CR-V still features LaneWatch instead of USA model's BSI
Arvind · Dec 14, 2023 12:00 PM
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The recently launched 2023 Honda CR-V will continue to offer the Honda LaneWatch safety system across all variants instead of the newer Blind Spot Information or BSI, though the latter system is readily offered on the 2023 CR-V in other markets.
This can be easily presumed as Honda deliberately choosing the LaneWatch system over the newer BSI system on the grounds of cost, or ease of packaging - but it’s quite the opposite.
Now before we dive into why, let’s recap how both systems work. Honda LaneWatch uses a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror which sends a direct video feed to the infotainment unit whenever the driver activates the left turn signal. It works to provide a clear view of the vehicle’s blind spot, where it is hardest to see other vehicles, especially when merging lanes or before making a left turn.
On the other hand, BSI uses radar sensors located in the rear bumper to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots on both sides of the vehicle. It does not offer a visual feed, just a warning alert light in the side mirror when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot.
The BSI system flashes a warning light on the side mirror when it detects a vehicle in your blind spot
So whilst BSI will tell you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot, you have no idea if it’s a car, motorcycle or cyclist. In there lies the answer.
During a press interview, the Large Project Leader of the 2023 CR-V Mr. Eisuke Sato explained, “In other regions, we do offer the Honda Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, however, specifically for the Asia and Oceania (A&O) region, and in Malaysia, we consider how motorbikes are used widely, and in that kind of driving infrastructure, we believe that LaneWatch is more effective,”
“Because LaneWatch can visualise where and how many motorbikes are passing by, it provides the driver with more information of their surroundings,”
Given the massive number of motorcycles which are constantly weaving through traffic and occupying spaces that are harder to monitor using traditional mirrors or likewise, BSI, LaneWatch provides a live feed that captures these smaller, fast-moving vehicles directly.
In fact, in dark, rainy conditions, LaneWatch's direct visual feed offers clearer visibility compared to the radar-based BSI. The camera system can illuminate and capture finer details that BSI might miss, which is crucial when driving in Malaysia's traffic and unpredictable weather.
Now, a common question normally asked is, why can't Honda fit LaneWatch on the driver's side too?
Well, in theory LaneWatch can be fitted on driver's side as well, but it wouldn't be very intuitive. We humans look in the direction of where we want to go, thus, LaneWatch on the driver's side would mean looking left, to turn right. Whilst it is possible, it just wouldn't work, and can be even distracting to the driver.
To recap, the locally-assembled (CKD, Pegoh) 2024 Honda CR-V is offered in four variants at the following prices:
CR-V 1.5T S: RM 159,900
CR-V 1.5T E: RM 169,900
CR-V 1.5T V AWD: RM 181,900
CR-V 2.0 RS Hybrid: TBC
As for the 2024 CR-V e:HEV RS, Honda Malaysia said prices will be announced early-2024.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
