2010 Honda CR-V Facelift To Debut Next Month, Arrive In Australia Next Year

IMAGES OF HONDA'S updated CR-V have been let out ahead of the car's Japanese launch on September 17, showing mild styling revisions are in store for the marque's popular softroader.

The side sheetmetal and headlight shapes carry over, but the front bumper, grille and bonnet are new. The 2010 CR-V also receives new 17  and 18-inch alloy wheels.

For the European market, the 2010 CR-V will be offered in base SE, mid-range ES and top-spec EX variants. New technologies introduced to the CR-V include adaptive cruise control and a collision-detecting crash avoidance system, both of which are optional on the EX grade model.

Cabin fabrics and plastics are upgraded, and a new centre stack design will house the CR-V's audio system and ventilation controls.

Improved sound deadening is claimed to lower noise from the engine and the outside environment, which, in Honda's words, makes the 2010 CR-V "an even quieter and more relaxing car to drive".

The Euro-spec CR-V will offer a new 110kW 2.2 lite i-DTEC diesel engine, which produces a sizable 350Nm of torque from 2000rpm and comes with the option of a manual or five-speed automatic gearbox. All engines in the 2010 CR-V range will be Euro V emissions compliant.

Details of Australian specifications are still unknown, but Honda Australia spokesman Mark Higgins says that an updated CR-V will be arriving in Australian showrooms in the first half of next year.

"There will be a minor model change in 2010 for the CR-V," Mr Higgins told TMR.

"It will be launched in the first half of 2010 at this stage. We don't have all the details on the car yet, but we'll announce them closer to the date."