When the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance (ADAS) safety features was introduced to Malaysia in the 5th generation 2017 Honda CR-V, the ADAS computer ‘sees’ the road ahead using a monocular camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror, mapping the data against a distance-sensing millimetre-wave radar mounted on the front bumper.

However, as Honda’s Sensing technology progressed, the company was soon able to simplify Sensing’s vision hardware to just one wide-angle camera. All Honda models introduced after the 5th generation 2020 Honda City, including the FE generation Civic, second-generation HR-V, and the recently launched WR-V, uses a camera-only setup. The milimetre wave radar was no longer needed.

It’s reasonable to believe the new camera-only setup is cheaper and without having to manage inputs from the milimetre-wave radar, engineers can focus on improving the camera’s accuracy, rather than being concerned with what’s a suitable response when the camera doesn’t agree with the radar’s input, or vice-versa.

Curiously, the latest 6th generation 2024 Honda CR-V’s Sensing has reverted to the previous dual input, camera-milimetre wave radar setup.

We asked Eisuke Sato, Large Project Leader (Honda’s term for a model’s chief engineer) for the 2024 Honda CR-V about the background behind the change.

Noting that we were expecting an answer along the lines of cost management or accuracy, Sato explained that it is not true that camera-only Sensing setup is cheaper than a radar-camera one, as the savings from reduced hardware is offset by higher demands placed on the camera.

Note that these ADAS cameras are far more costly than what’s used on your phone, as the camera must be able to withstand extreme heat and cold, as well as vibration, while maintaining a very high level of accuracy throughout the vehicle’s design lifespan, which typically means 15 years / 250,000 km.

Instead, Sato explained the reason behind the switch has to do with supply chain security, so that Honda is not overly reliant on one supplier for Sensing’s hardware.

Whether individual project leaders choose a camera-only setup or a camera-radar one, both need to meet the same targets. To the customer, how Sensing is achieved using what hardware is less relevant because the result remains the same.

Contrary to popular opinion, Sato says keeping two different suppliers is more effective for cost management. “By having two systems, we can be better at managing cost as well.”

Sato went on to explain the CR-V’s Sensing camera is supplied by Bosch, while models with a camera-only setup, like the Honda City (facelift), are supplied by Valero. By maintaining a diversified supplier base, Honda is in a better position to deal with unexpected disruptions that can be caused by strikes, natural disasters, or even war like the Ukraine-Russia situation.

The 2024 Honda CR-V is now in Malaysia, priced from RM 159,900 to RM 181,900 for the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo variants. A 2.0-litre hybrid will join the line-up later. Unlike the previous model, Honda Sensing safety technologies are now fitted as standard.

This new and improved Sensing is superior to the one fitted on the outgoing generation model, as it now has a wider 120-degree angle forward detection range, with better detection for motocyclists, bicyclists. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centering (RDM and LKAS) functions also work smoother now.

However, remember that Honda Sensing, like all ADAS by other car manufacturers, is a driver assistance-only function. Ultimately, it is the driver's responsibility to drive safely. Like all ADAS functions, Honda Sensing's accuracy drops in bad weather conditions. Functions like ACC should not be used in the rain.