2012 Honda CR-V Concept First Photo

About a month ago, Honda started using all sorts of ways to generate consumer interest for the new CR-V, the Japanese carmaker’s forthcoming crossover. The company’s website sported a picture of a tunnel with a light at the end of it, announcing that the all-new 2012MY is coming soon.

Now the automaker finally decided to treat us with the first official image of the new Honda CR-V Concept, which hints to how the next-generation model of the crossover will look like when it hits dealerships in late 2011.

The 2012 Honda CR-V is expected to arrive this fall with a slight increase in power and efficiency. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder petrol-burner will most likely be the mainstay for the US market, while the 2.2-liter i-DTEC diesel could make around 165 hp in Europe.

Unfortunately, details are still sketchy at this point, but what we do know is that the entry-level version of the car will come with a front-wheel- drive, while an all-wheel-drive variant will also be available as an option.

“With a new design—both inside and out, new features and new possibilities, the 2012 CR-V will set a new standard for the class,” Honda says on its official website. “As a top-selling crossover for over five years, expectations for the 2012 CR-V are high and we're confident they will not only be met, but exceeded. Much more will be revealed over the next several months so be sure to sign up on this page to receive updates,” it continues.

We will likely get to see the next-generation Honda CR-V in the flesh at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September.