by Special Anniversary Edition
Honda is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the global launch of the CR-V by introducing a new special edition in China. The SUV is offered with gasoline and hybrid powertrains, having more equipment for a lower price.
Exterior and Features
The Chinese version of the CR-V is a product of the Dongfeng Honda joint venture, while GAC Honda offers the mechanically related Breeze model. Externally, the Global 30th Anniversary Edition looks the same as the regular CR-V, with LED headlights, an active grille, and body-colored body elements for the hybrid version. Depending on the trim, the car comes with 17, 18, or 19-inch alloy wheels.
Interior and Technology
The interior features are particularly interesting. Firstly, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch multimedia system are standard across all trims, as is an electric panoramic sunroof. It is worth noting that the American version of the CR-V is limited to a much smaller 9-inch display, while lower trims have a 7-inch instrument panel.
Comfort and Safety
Another difference from the American counterpart is that the Chinese model offers heated and ventilated front seats, along with heated rear seats and a steering wheel. Furthermore, five and seven-seat configurations are available. The top-end 30th Anniversary Special Edition trim has a power tailgate, 50W wireless charging, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a head-up display, and the Honda Sensing 360+ safety system.
Technical Specifications
There are no surprises under the hood. The gasoline version of the SUV is equipped with the familiar turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 190 hp (142 kW) and 243 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a CVT transmission that sends power to the front or all four wheels.
Hybrid Version
The other option is the electrified CR-V e:HEV, which generates a combined output of 181 hp (135 kW) and 335 Nm of torque from a 2.0-liter engine and two electric motors. The self-charging hybrid setup is also available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.
Pricing Policy
And this brings us to the prices, which are the biggest surprise. In China, the Dongfeng Honda CR-V Global 30th Anniversary Edition costs from ¥145,900 to ¥191,900 ($20,500-27,000) for the ICE version and from ¥159,900 to ¥209,900 ($22,500-29,500) for the e:HEV. This makes it significantly cheaper compared to the American version of the CR-V, which starts at $30,920 and reaches $42,250, while lacking some of the luxurious features of its Chinese twin.
The affordability of the Chinese CR-V version may indicate Honda’s aggressive marketing strategy in this market, where competition in the SUV segment remains high. The inclusion of advanced technologies such as the Honda Sensing 360+ system and a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment demonstrates growing consumer expectations for base-level features, even in the mid-price range. This approach could become a trend for other manufacturers seeking to maintain market share in conditions of economic uncertainty.
