HONDA is about to increase its SUV vary subsequent 12 months with the introduction of the brand new ZR-V.
The worldwide mannequin will slot between the HR-V and CR-V in Honda’s line-up and can doubtless characteristic powertrains acquainted to the lately launched third-generation HR-V small SUV.
Reportedly based mostly on the identical underpinnings because the eleventh-generation Civic, the ZR-V will rival fashions such because the Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-3 and Skoda Karoq. What’s extra, Honda says its new mannequin was designed to satisfy “the mobility wants of Technology-Z consumers”, therefore the letter “Z” within the mannequin’s nameplate.
Chatting with GoAuto on the launch of the HR-V earlier this month, Honda Australia executives confirmed that the ZR-V was destined for Australia. The mannequin line-up is more likely to embrace a 1.5-litre petrol motor (89kW/145Nm) and e:HEV petrol-electric drivetrain (96kW/253Nm), however native pricing and specs have but to be finalised.
“The subsequent 12 to 18 months is absolutely about regenerating our product line-up,” Honda Australia managing director Stephen Collins instructed GoAuto.
“We’re launching new merchandise into rising segments, and we’ll absolutely reveal that mannequin mid this 12 months. This new SUV will sit between the HR-V and the CR-V, and it’ll give us a secure of actually aggressive SUVs that may type a giant a part of our technique going ahead.
“We’re assured that we’ll have three SUVs that may go well with completely different buyer wants. The HR-V is extra suited to youthful and feminine consumers, and we expect the brand new mannequin (ZR-V) will likely be extra of a household kind SUV. The CR-V will proceed to draw these household consumers who’re on the lookout for one thing a bit bigger.
“So, we’re actually assured that every of the SUVs will likely be positioned very properly by way of measurement and specification.”
GoAuto understands the five-seat mannequin will observe the Civic and HR-V in providing drive-away pricing and comparatively excessive trim grades, though how the ZR-V will likely be positioned in opposition to phase stalwarts stays to be seen.
Following within the HR-V’s wheel tracks, the ZR-V is tipped to supply the complete suite of Honda Sensing security applied sciences, 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and 9.0-inch infotainment array when it lands in Australia. Adaptive cruise management, AEB, blind-spot monitoring, lane- conserving help and traffic-jam help are additionally doubtless inclusions.
Honda Europe lately launched a quick media assertion through which it confirmed the mannequin’s nomenclature whereas hinting that the mannequin would supply an e:HEV petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain (as a part of the Japanese model’s European electrification technique).
“Honda has confirmed that its lately introduced new C-segment SUV is to be named ‘ZR-V’. Set to go on sale throughout European markets in 2023, the all-new mannequin will slot between the HR-V and CR-V within the Honda line-up,” the assertion learn.
“The ZR-V will likely be powered by the excellent e:HEV full hybrid powertrain, additional increasing Honda’s vary of electrified choices to prospects.
“The announcement begins the following stage of Honda’s European electrification technique. With additional electrified SUV fashions set to observe, the ZR-V marks an vital evolution within the Honda line up, with the model concentrating even additional on this quickly rising phase.”
Honda had beforehand mentioned that it deliberate to launch 30 new electrical autos by the tip of the last decade, investing ¥5 trillion ($A55.6b) in improvement of electrical fashions, together with the next-generation NSX supercar. The Tokyo-based agency additionally introduced that it will spend round ¥8 trillion ($A89.1) in whole analysis and improvement by 2030.
