Honda CR-V plug-in hybrid and all-new EV SUV shown

Honda has reinforced its push into electrification by revealing a battery-electric SUV concept and a plug-in hybrid version of the Honda CR-V wagon at the Beijing auto show.

Little detail was released about either vehicle, but it was confirmed the e:concept SUV points towards a “mass-production” vehicle that will go on sale in China.

The CR-V PHEV, meanwhile, will be launched in China in January 2021.

Honda Australia says it is too soon to make any definitive comments about either the e:concept or the CR-V PHEV.

The latter is currently a China-only model, but Honda Australia has previously expressed interest in adding more hybrids to its line-up, including the next-gen CR-V. The current fifth-generation CR-V has been on sale since 2017.

On the e:concept, Honda spokesman Justin Lacy said: “The possibility for Honda to introduce this model in other regions is currently being discussed, but nothing has been confirmed and no further details are available at this point.”

The production version of the e:concept will be the second battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from Honda, which already sells the Honda e mini-car in Japan and Europe.

Logical rivals will include the Nissan Ariya, Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4.

It has committed to two more BEVs that will be based on Ultium technology sourced from General Motors, but they won’t be seen until 2024.

Honda did not reveal pricing, launch date or even an outline of drivetrain technology for the BEV SUV.

But while the overall look of the e:concept is production-oriented, it’s unlikely it will come to market as a three-door, or with a small rectangular steering wheel as shown in Beijing.

Honda did confirm the production model will be equipped with next-generation Honda Sensing and Honda Connect technologies.

The latest Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistance systems feature improved recognition, prediction and decision-making performance.

It delivers what Honda is calling “omnidirectional ADAS”, made possible by widening the front camera angle and adopting 360-degree radar. This enables the system to detect vehicle peripheral movement more accurately.

Honda Connect features an AI (artificial intelligence) assistant interface, smartphone link and wireless updates.

The CR-V PHEV is a step on from the CR-V Hybrid that is already offered in some global markets.

That model comes with a 2.0-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine that works with two electric motors – one propulsion and one generator motor – controlled by an intelligent multi-mode drive system providing three driving modes: Hybrid, Engine and Electric drive.

The PHEV comes with a development of that system, adding claimed improvements to the battery and converter system.

Front- and all-wheel drive versions are available.