While the Japanese market 2010 CR-V facelift isn't due to be revealed until September 17, Honda's European division surprised us today with the unveiling of the domestic market model that's set to go on sale from January 2010. In addition to the gentle cosmetic facelift, the European-spec CR-V that is built in the UK also benefits from a cleaner and more powerful 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that can now be coupled to a new automatic transmission.For the 2010 model year, the CR-V's looks have been slightly refreshed with newly designed front and rear bumpers, a more conventionally styled front grille without the chrome bars and new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels plus color coded bumper on higher grade models.
There are no pictures of the interior as of yet but Honda says that the 2010 CR-V receives upgraded fabrics and plastics inside along with a new audio console design. Furthermore, the company claims to have improved sound deadening around the engine and cabin.
Under the bonnet, the revised SUV gets a updated version of the company's 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that now produces 150 horsepower and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm, an increase of 10 hp and 10Nm over the previous unit.
This diesel unit can be paired with either a manual transmission or Honda's new 5-speed automatic gearbox that has been developed in-house.
Honda said that full specs and pricing on the 2010 CR-V will be announced later in the year, but it is possible that we might learn more about the facelifted model at next week's Frankfurt Show.
