Japan car shoppers get a look at the 2012 Honda CR-V before North Americans. It's only fair, as the car is made by the Japanese (even though Honda cars sold at Peters Honda of Nashua in Nashua, NH) are US-produced. Officially on sale overseas on Dec 2nd (later in the month over here) CR-V's concept was shown at various auto shows this fall. 

2012's CR-V comes in two trims: base, which offers a 2.0-liter engine producing 150 horsepower mated to a CVT, and rated at 33.9 mpg. The second includes a 2.4-liter engine making 190 horsepower with AWD. This variant is rated at a combined 27.3 mpg. 

The production model offers several differences than the original 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 for more news on the US and Canadian versions of Honda CR-V. 

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