While it's only a matter of weeks before we see the final production model in North America as it is due to be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show before hitting showroom floors by the end of the year, European consumers will have to wait another year for the new CR-V to arrive in dealerships.
The European-flavored 2012 CR-V will feature the same styling as the North American version but will be offered with a larger variety of four-cylinder engines including an all-important turbo diesel.
As predicted, sans the smaller wheels and some body trim options such as the protection plate under the front bumper, there aren't any other noteworthy changes over the Honda CR-V study teased with a single photo back in July.
The exterior design is clearly an evolution of the current model's theme albeit with a less complicated front-end styling and a sharper looking window line.
During the presentation of the study, American Honda Vice President of Sales, John Mendel had described the styling as "more sophisticated and dynamic" than its predecessor adding that it will offer "amazing interior versatility and Honda's latest technologies for convenience and refinement."
We're still in the dark when it comes to the powertrain options, but aside from the availability of both front- and all-wheel drive configurations, don’t expect any dramatic changes under the hood.
The North American model will possibly gain a updated version of the current four-cylinder gasoline unit, and the European specification CR-V, a choice of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
Honda says that the brand-new CR-V will reach U.S. showrooms before the end of the year, while European buyers will have to wait until the fall of 2012.
Kudos to Matthieu L. for the tip!
But before that happens, here are some fresh spy pictures of the production CR-V snapped during testing in Europe.
While the engine lineups will differ, we don't expect any noteworthy styling changes between the North American and European market versions of the Japanese company's popular SUV.
In fact, with the exception of the smaller alloy wheels, the black roof rails and the absence of the front metal/aluminum protection plate and black trim on the lower part of the bumper on the test car, we don't see any other changes compared to the CR-V Concept.
The North American model will probably be offered at launch with a single naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering close to 200-horses, and the option of front- and all-wheel drive layouts.
European buyers will have to wait almost another year as Honda has officially said that sales will start in the fall of 2012. While the Japanese company is keeping mum on the available powertrain options, a choice of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines is more or less guaranteed.
