A recent report confirms that Honda India is preparing for the launch of fifth generation CR-V with a diesel engine in mid-2018. The seven seat ASEAN spec car is slightly different from the five seat version sold in North American market.

It will get its official debut at Auto Expo 2018. Honda will retain the tried and tested 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 190 HP for the car while CR-V diesel will help them rival the segment options like Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner in a better way. Still, the engine seems puny before these two mighty SUVs.

Honda will use the 1.6 liter, i-DTEC engine producing 160 HP at 4,000 rpm and 350 Nm at 2,000 rpm for CR-V diesel. The petrol engine uses a CVT while diesel will use the all new 9-speed ZF sourced automatic gearbox.

As the engine will get local assembly for India, pricing will definitely be on the better side. Apart from that, it proves closer rivalry to Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq in the country.

American spec CR-V uses a 1.5 liter, turbo petrol engine and that will not be used for India in any case. The more angular CR-V is 41 mm longer than the current generation SUV. Honda CR-V will use automatic shutter grille technology in order to bring aerodynamic drag lower than the standard value on both engine options.

Honda CR-V diesel may mark the rebirth of a popular moniker as petrol buyers for this segment are pretty rare while everyone prefers diesel for better power, loads of torque and cost effective driving experience.

The interior will feature soft touch panels, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and power adjustable front seats. Honda could have also considered a bigger 2.0L diesel motor to compete in a better way as these power values feel right for a car that is sized closer to Jeep Compass.