We know that the Japanese get the first look at the redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V even before we do. It's only fair, because Honda is a Japan-based company (even though many Honda cars are made on American soil, including those sold at Fletcher Jones Honda).

There are two variants for the 2012 CR-V: The base model offers a 2.0-liter engine producing 150 horsepower mated to a CVT. It's rated at 33.9 mpg. Honda's next trim up has a powerplant making 190 horsepower from its 2.4-liter engine with AWD. This model returns 27.3 combined mpg.

Officially on sale overseas on December 2nd (coming later in December for US audiences) the all new CR-V was teased at various auto shows since earlier this fall. The production model offers several differences than the auto show concept:

"The edges of the grille that cut into the lights and look like they are holding the chrome slits have been blacked out and the lower part of the front bumper is completely change," according to Auto Evolution. "We're pretty sure this is what the European version will look like as well."¹

Stay tuned with Fletcher Jones Honda in Chicago, IL for more news on official US and Canadian releases of Honda CR-V, including pricing and more detailed specs.

Source:
¹http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2012-honda-cr-v-unveiled-in-japan-photo-gallery-40751.html