New Honda Breeze Breaks Cover In China As An Alternatively Styled CR-V

GAC-Honda has published the first official photos of the all-new second-generation Breeze, serving as an alternative to the Dongfeng-Honda CR-V in China. Like its predecessor, the SUV is offered in both five-seater and seven-seater layouts and is heavily based on the new Honda CR-V, featuring distinct styling on both ends.

The ties between the Honda Breeze and the Honda CR-V twins are evident from the greenhouse and the identical profile. However, the Breeze adopts a different face with a much smaller grille, a larger bumper intake, and model-specific LED headlights. The plastic cladding around the bodywork has been replaced by body-colored panels giving it a more premium look. Finally, at the back, it gets a restyled tailgate with horizontally-mounted LED taillights connected to aerodynamic extensions of the rear spoiler.

Read: Honda To Build New CR-V-Based Hydrogen Vehicle In America In 2024

The redesigned front and rear bumpers result in a length of 4,716 mm (185.7 inches) for the Honda Breeze, 22 mm (0.9 inches) longer than the CR-V. The other dimensions are identical, including the 2,700 mm (106.3 inches) wheelbase. Compared to the first-gen Breeze, the new model is longer by 80 mm (3.1 inches), with the wheelbase being stretched by 40 mm (1.6 inches) which translates to a more spacious cabin.

Predictably, the interior of the Breeze is carried over from the CR-V, including the full-width climate vents, the digital instrument cluster, and the free-standing infotainment display. However, it is differentiated in terms of upholstery and trim pieces. Equipment includes the latest Honda 360 Sensing suite with plenty of ADAS. As with the Chinese-spec Honda CR-V, a three-row seven-seater layout is also available in the Breeze.

The Honda Breeze will debut in ICE-powered form with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS) and 243 Nm (179 lb-ft) of torque, just like in the CR-V sibling. Power is transmitted to either the front or to all four wheels (AWD) exclusively through a CVT gearbox.

We expect GAC-Honda to expand the Breeze lineup with the addition of an electrified variant, benefiting from the hybrid e:HEV powertrain already offered in the CR-V. There are also rumors about a plug-in hybrid model that could follow in 2023. The first generation of the Honda Breeze came in petrol, self-charging hybrid, and plug-in hybrid forms.

The new Honda Breeze will go on sale in China before the end of the year. Pricing has yet to be announced but we expect it to be slightly more expensive than the CR-V which starts from ¥185,900 ($26,646).