The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid has some design changes when compared to the previously leaked non-hybrid Chinese version
For the first time, Honda has officially teased the upcoming sixth generation 2023 CR-V and the Japanese maker has revealed the hybrid version of the popular SUV this time. The CR-V will be unveiled soon followed by an imminent global launch this year itself.
Around 10 days back, the undisguised images of the Chinese-spec CR-V got leaked online. It features drastic updates on the exterior when compared to the fifth generation model that was also sold in India.
The overall silhouette remains the same. The front chrome strip of the current generation model has gone too.
Though the headlights almost remain the same as the older model, they are now sleeker and longer. The LED units are darkened for a meaner look and they also gel well with the all-black grille with Honda logo at the center.
A matte black bottom cladding runs throughout the car offering it rugged looks. There are various sensors/cameras on all the sides of the body which might be for the various drive-assist systems of the SUV.
Coming to official teaser, although the new images look almost the same as the Chinese-spec version, they belong to the hybrid variant of the SUV. There are subtle design changes. For example, there are chrome surrounds on the front air intake channels.
There’s also a hybrid tag at the rear below the CR-V inscription. The teased car sports a glossy dark blue shade which looks striking when compared to the white Chinese-spec car.
In India, the CR-V was sold until the BS-6 norms got enforced in 2020. As the SUV didn’t sell well, Honda decided not to work on the BS-6 model. But that’s set to change with the introduction of the sixth generation model.
With almost all manufacturers stepping foot on to the lucrative D-segment with Mahindra’s upcoming Scorpio-N being the latest entrant, Honda is expected to follow suit.
But unlike the others, Honda strongest talking point would be its hybrid powerplant and this same model pictured above might find its way to India. The Japanese maker has already introduced the City’s hybrid variant, e:HEV.