Honda to showcase CR-V, Civic at Auto Expo 2018

Autocar India broke the news about the second-gen Honda Amaze making its global debut at Auto Expo 2018. Now, the magazine confirms news that joining the new Amaze at Honda’s Auto Expo stand will be the new CR-V and Civic. The three models are part of Honda’s plans to launch six new models in India by 2020.

Like the Amaze, the new CR-V is scheduled for an India introduction in 2018. While the latest iteration of the SUV is handsome and well turned-out, what makes the new CR-V more interesting than its predecessors is the fact that it will come with a third row of seats and will also be offered with a diesel engine option, both firsts for the CR-V.

The ability to seat seven gives the new CR-V a degree of versatility you couldn’t associate with the nameplate so far. The option of a diesel engine will also address one of the CR-V’s big shortcomings. The engine in question will be a 1.6-litre unit from Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams’ line making a reasonable 160hp and 350Nm of torque. To keep costs in check, Honda will localise the engine, and come 2019 it will also find use on the Civic.

The Civic to be displayed at the Auto Expo will not be the exact model that will launch in India. Honda will bring the facelifted version that is yet to make a public appearance. The latest Civic picks up from where the last one to be sold in India left off, with its decidedly sporty, low-slung design. What gives the new Civic serious character is the faux notchback look at the rear. We do, however, expect the Civic’s cabin to be spruced up before the car goes on sale in India. The Civic will be offered with the aforementioned diesel engine option and a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated VTEC petrol engine.