Honda Phils set to launch 10-seater version of CRV

Honda Cars Phils Inc. will launch a 10-seater version of its popular sports utility vehicle CR-V.

According to Industry sources, Honda is planning to launch the 10-seater version next year.

The 10-seater CR-V is being designed locally and would provide formidable competition to the American sports utility vehicles.

Honda, Industry sources said, has noted a shift in consumer preferences from passenger cars to utility vehicles.

Consumers, sources said, are shifting to Asian Utility Vehicles and SUVs for practical purposes.

AUVs, in particular, can be used commercially and can more easily accommodate a big family.

Likewise, the AUVs and SUVs are more practical during the rainy season when the metropolis easily gets flooded.

The 10-seater CR-V, sources said, would be wider and larger but would contain all the amenities currently available in the CR-V.

The current compact CR-V comes in either the two-or four-wheel drive. It is powered by a two liter DOHC 16-valve 4-in-line with 146 horsepower and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The Honda CR-V has been so popular because of its smooth handling like a passenger car with SUV capability.

Since its introduction in 1997, Honda has been able to sell 12,545 units. The two liter automatic limited model sells at P1.163 million while the two liter manual transmission limited model is priced at P1.12 million.

The two liter automatic model is tagged at P1.128 million, while the two liter manual model is at P1.085 million.