Honda to debut four new models in 2014

Honda’s Australian showrooms will be bolstered by four new models in 2014, but don’t expect the sporty new Civic Type R or NSX super hybrid any time soon.

The new model onslaught will begin in January when Honda will take the wraps off a diesel-powered version of the CR-V. The model will be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions and is to be powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel developing 110kW and 350Nm.

It’s the first time Honda has offered a diesel engine in conjunction with an automatic transmission and though the model will be priced in the high $30K price bracket, it is set to appeal to those chasing better mileage. Honda claims a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 5.8L/100km and CO2 emissions of 151g/km.

Following the CR-V Diesel in February is the latest-generation Odyssey people mover. The stylish family hauler will be offered with an eight-seat option for the first time and, according to Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, will quickly move to become the most popular vehicle of its kind among private buyers.

“The Odyssey is one of Honda Australia’s most awarded models. We are confident of continued success with this new model and are looking forward to launching this car to the Australian market,” said Collins.

Like its predecessor, the new Odyssey will be powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and will be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It is expected that the Odyssey will be priced from less than $40,000.

Towards the middle of the year, two more new models will join the Honda line-up including the all-new Thai-sourced Jazz (badged 'Fit' in other markets) and a new compact SUV based on the Jazz platform and shown previously as the Urban SUV Concept.

The new Jazz is expected to be powered by improved versions of the same 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol drivetrains as the current model, though pricing and specification for the Australian market are yet to be confirmed.

The current Jazz range is priced from $15,990 (plus on-road costs) for the limited edition Jazz Vibe through to $22,990 (plus ORCs) for the top-grade Jazz Hybrid.

Honda says the new Jazz Hybrid will follow the conventionally powered Jazz range in “either late 2014 or early 2015” (visit motoring.com.au again soon for our First Drive review of the new Honda Fit Hybrid). It is expected the Accord Hybrid may join the line-up at the same time.

Also joining the model range from mid-2014 is Honda’s new light SUV. The model, expected to be christened at tomorrow’s Tokyo motor show, will go on sale in Japan from December.

Honda Australia’s PR team has confirmed the model will be offered with the choice of petrol and diesel engines as well as manual and automatic transmissions. Aside from Peugeot’s 2008, this makes Honda the only manufacturer selling this kind of vehicle in Australia to offer such a comprehensive drivetrain mix.

Pricing and specification details for the new model are still under wraps; although there is a hybrid version in the mix we understand that this model will not be offered Down Under.

Expect pricing to mimic that of competitors such as the Peugeot 2008, Holden Trax, Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport and soon-to-be-announced Renault Captur (circa $23,450 to $29,990).

But as needed as the new model injection is for Honda Australia, the bad news for sporting fans of the brand is that the recently confirmed Civic Type R will not be joining the show until late 2015, and the NSX super hybrid until “at least 2016” – a full year after the model goes on sale in the US.

Honda will position the new Civic Type R at a modest premium over the entry price for the Golf GTI, but adds that the model’s performance figures will be closer to those of the current class champion, Renault’s Megane RS 265.

The new Civic Type R is Honda’s first performance hatch to be powered by a turbocharged engine, in this instance the 206kW/400Nm 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO.

As for the new NSX, it appears Honda Australia is unlikely to receive the model until at least early 2016. The local PR team was unclear about the reason for the delay, but says we won’t see the model in local showrooms until at least 12 months after it goes on sale in the US in 2015.

“Every market in the world is clambouring over each other to try and get it, but it’s probably more than 12 months away [from the launch of the model in the US]”, explained Collins.

“At this stage I’m not aware that we’re going to be restricted on numbers [from the factory]... and we’ve had quite a lot of interest from previous NSX owners.”

Collins added it wasn’t just Honda customers who were happy to see the NSX return to Oz – Honda dealers were also keen for a performance flagship.

“The dealers want to get that sporty edge back; we’ve been working closely with our dealer council and it’s indicated it would like to have more sports cars in the range,” Collins added.

“It’s not a volume game with NSX... and it’s not about trying to eclipse a sales record. We just want to get the car to market and have people turn their head when they see one in the street.”

Honda Australia future model timing:
CR-V Diesel: January 2014
Odyssey: February 2014
Jazz (Fit): mid-2014
Urban SUV: mid-2014
Jazz Hybrid: early 2015
Accord Hybrid: early 2015
Civic Type R: late 2015
NSX: early 2016

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