Honda Australia is promising to convey extra reasonably priced petrol-electric hybrid variations of its fashions to Australia.

The model has confirmed it plans to develop its hybrid mannequin vary so it’s unfold throughout extra variants at cheaper price factors within the coming years. 

That’s regardless of the actual fact it has simply launched the new ZR-V midsize SUV with a flagship e:HEV LX hybrid mannequin sitting $6400 increased than the equal VTi LX petrol. Additional, the corporate confirmed it would launch the new-generation CR-V with a high-spec hybrid, too.

Honda Australia director, Carolyn McMahon, mentioned the model is raring so as to add extra reasonably priced hybrid choices to its line-up, however the technique is to launch with a highly-specified e:HEV hybrid variant first, and observe it up with extra petrol-electric variants.

“So we began the enlargement of hybrids from Civic Hybrid after which HR-V, and now ZR-V. And our hybrid technique is all about introducing hybrid with every new full mannequin launch. 

“As soon as we’ve accomplished that, then the following step is then to introduce extra variants inside every mannequin – so with Honda ZR-V, and naturally then with CR-V, there will probably be a hybrid top-grade spec in these fashions.

“After which as we transfer by means of the lifecycle, you’ll see extra variants coming in,” she mentioned. 

Belinda Cusworth, GM buyer expertise for Honda Australia, confirmed the ZR-V mannequin has seen important curiosity relating to the hybrid powertrain specifically, with executives telling CarExpert the numbers are stacking up. 

“It’s effectively over 1000 thus far,” she mentioned when requested about what number of ZR-V orders have already been positioned.

“The hybrid has been actually robust, too. It’s fairly important, and we’re trying to develop that over the following three to 5 years. It’s a part of our long-term technique.

“We haven’t dedicated to the mannequin variants at this time limit, however it’s extra making certain we’ve obtained the amount to satisfy demand,” she mentioned. 

For context, right here’s a rundown on the hybrids that Honda presents at the moment, and a few opponents and the choices out there:

• Honda Civic e:HEV LX small hatchback – $55,000 drive-away. 
  • Rivals embody: Toyota Corolla hybrid hatch, from $31,130 to $38,120 (MSRP)
• Honda HR-V e:HEV LX small SUV – $47,000 drive-away. 
  • Rivals embody: Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, from $35,500 to $49,050 (MSRP); GWM Haval Jolion hybrid, from $36,990 to $40,990 drive-away; Hyundai Kona hybrid, from $36,000 to $46,500 (MSRP); Kia Niro hybrid, from $44,930 to $50,580 (MSRP)
• Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX medium SUV – $54,900 drive-away. 
  • Rivals embody: Toyota RAV4 hybrid, from $43,550 to $56,650 (MSRP); GWM Haval H6 hybrid, from $42,490 to $45,990 drive-away; Nissan X-Path e-Energy hybrid, from $49,490 to $57,190; MG HS Plus EV hybrid (plug-in), from $49,690 to $53,690 drive-away; Subaru Forester e:Boxer hybrid, from $43,290 to $49,340

Honda is just not the one model aiming to extend its hybrid footprint within the Australian market.

In the previous couple of months alone, Kia Australia has confirmed its plans so as to add hybrid variants of its Sportage midsize SUV, and sibling firm Hyundai is likewise planning to introduce a number of electrified takes on the Tucson medium SUV.