Cheaper Honda HR-V hybrid under study

A lower-priced Honda HR-V hybrid could be added to the new-generation small SUV’s Australian launch line-up of just two models as soon as 2023.

Built in Japan rather than Thailand, the new 2022 Honda HR-V range currently comprises the $45,000 e: HEV L hybrid and orthodox petrol-engined $36,700 Vi X (both prices are drive-away).

They have been available for order since March and are now in showrooms.

Honda Australia says the backlog on what it calls bookings – or signed contracts – for the hybrid is already out to four months, while overall HR-V bookings in its first month on sale were 20 per cent above forecast.

“The hybrid has gone better than expected,” confirmed Honda Australia director and auto division chief Stephen Collins.

“If you were to walk into one of the [Honda] centres today you would most likely have a four-month wait on hybrid.

“The petrol is in reasonable shape, but in the first month it has certainly exceeded what we thought it would do.”

Over time, hybrid demand is expected to drop back from the current level to about 35 per cent of total HR-V sales. Honda is shooting for around 5000 HR-V sales in the first 12 months.

That’s well below the previous HR-V’s numbers and reflects a rise in price and reduction of the range as part of the new agency-based no-haggle pricing policy.

But Collins confirmed re-expanding the HR-V line-up was under consideration – although he stressed that Honda won’t head into the entry-level pricing territory.

“We will look at that down the track,” he said. “For the immediate future – for the next year or so – we are very happy with this line-up.

“We will see if there is more demand for a higher-spec petrol or potentially a lower-spec hybrid.

“But we are not planning for a traditional entry grade, that won’t happen.”

Adding further choice for potential buyers, Honda is adding the compact Honda ZR-V SUV in early 2023 that will be slightly larger than the HR-V, have five seats rather than four and include a hybrid powertrain.

It will sit between the HR-V and the CR-V in the line-up.

Also coming soon are a Civic hybrid in September/October , a new-generation Civic Type R around the end of the year, an all-new CR-V and Accord in 2023.

That will clear the decks for a rollout of Honda electric vehicles in Australia.

Watch out for our launch review of the new Honda HR-V tomorrow (May 12).

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