2012 Honda CR-V

As usual, Honda has maintained almost complete silence about the upcoming launch of its (we think) newly redesigned for 2012 CR-V. What we know for sure is that the official debut of the new model will be at 2011 LA Auto Show, to be held November 18-27; yes, that includes Thanksgiving weekend. By the way, not even the official LA Auto Show website can boast a mug-shot, yet.

That having been said, there have been a dedicated few who have managed to get close enough to capture a few good spy shots. Some of those photos are available at the Car and Driver website, here. For even more of a teaser, visit the Honda Japan website, New CR-V coming soon.

Now on to the things that we think we know. It looks like this will not be a major do-over of the 2011 model, but rather a gentle refurbishing, with the exception of an entirely new back-end. We expect to still have the 2.4 liter, 4-cylindar engine, with an added 6-speed automatic transmission.

There might be one fairly big change. All previous models of CR-V have been 5-passenger vehicles. However, according to Car and Driver, “…it looks like there just might be room for a small third row of seats for short-legged passengers…” given the extended rear-end.

Most importantly, Honda insists that production of the new CR-V has not been influenced or interrupted by the Thai floods, and the projected launch ambiguity of “by the end of the year” still stands.

Check back here for more 2012 CR-V updates.