Honda HR-V, ZR-V & CR-V: More affordable hybrid variants due in Australia soon

Honda has confirmed it will launch more affordable hybrid vehicles in Australia before the end of 2024.

In 2023, the Japanese brand promised to launch additional petrol-electric hybrid variants in Australia once top-spec E:HEV models had arrived with each new full model launch, starting with the latest HR-V in April 2022.

The 11th-generation Accord sedan arrives in Australia this month as the last full model change with an E:HEV hybrid variant, joining electrified flagship versions of the Civic, ZR-V and CR-V also launched in the last 24 months.

Honda Australia director and chief operating officer Carolyn McMahon said the brand had plans to expand its hybrid line-up before Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which requires carmakers to offer more low- and zero-emission cars, was introduced.

“That's part of our original hybrid expansion strategy. Probably later on this year – essentially now that we’ve launched top variants – you'll now start to see through different MMCs [minor model changes] or different upgrades [hybrid variants] expanded throughout the range,” said McMahon.

“Our current hybrid take up is around 40 per cent. I think this time last year we said we were expecting around 25 per cent, so we're actually higher than what we had originally set our goal for. I think industry petrol [sales] is still around 70 per cent; we’re at 60 per cent so we're quite happy with the take-up [of hybrid]."

McMahon indicated Honda would focus on expanding hybrid options within its SUV range – the HR-V, ZR-V and CR-V – rather than its slower-selling Civic and Accord passenger car line-up.

“We don't have any plans for a lower-specced Accord,” said McMahon. “Accord is a flagship model – we’ll always use that to introduce the new technology and the new features.”

Available in a sole E:HEV RS variant, the Accord midsize sedan is priced at $64,900 drive-away, while the hybrid version of the Civic small hatch – the E:HEV LX – retails for $55,000 drive-away.

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The facelifted Honda HR-V small SUV – set to be marketed as a Model Year 2025 vehicle – is due in Australia soon, likely as the first vehicle from the brand with an additional hybrid variant.

“It is possible that could make sense. I can't announce anything today formally, but later on this year is probably the time that we start the expansion,” said McMahon.

While McMahon was unable to announce an expanded HR-V line-up, new government approval documents have all but confirmed this.

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The documents list two hybrid versions of the updated HR-V, rather than one like the current model.

It is unclear how the two hybrid variants could be differentiated, but Honda would likely use the current entry-level petrol HR-V as a base for a cheaper hybrid variant to slot between the existing Vi X and the E:HEV L.

This would see certain features deleted, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, leather-accented upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, LED fog lights, and a hands-free electric tailgate.

Improvements for the updated HR-V – which launched in Japan last month – include a revised grille and lower front bumper, full-LED two-tier tail-lights, traffic jam assist, adaptive high-beam headlights, and a mis-acceleration prevention assist.

Hybrid models receive thicker sound insulation in the dashboard, roof and floor to reduce engine startup and road noises.

These variants also have revised damper forces for improved ride comfort, and an updated energy management control to reduce the number of internal-combustion engine startups and shutdowns.

The government documents confirm the HR-V will continue to have four seats to comply with Australian Design Rules for rear top-tether anchor points, as Honda elected not to engineer an anchor point for the rear-middle position that would allow it to be certified as a five-seat vehicle.

The current 2023 Honda HR-V is in run-out with discounted pricing of $34,900 drive-away for the Vi X petrol, down from $36,700, and $43,900 drive-away for the E:HEV, down from $47,000.

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Current Honda hybrid vehicles in Australia

2024 Honda Civic

• E:HEV LX: $55,000 drive-away.
• Toyota hybrid rival: Corolla hatch, $32,110 to $39,100 before on-road costs.

2024 Honda Accord

• E:HEV RS: $64,900 drive-away.
• Toyota hybrid rival: Camry, $37,917 to $51,417 before on-road costs.

2023 Honda HR-V

• E:HEV L: $43,900 drive-away (usually $47,000 drive-away).
• Toyota hybrid rival: Corolla Cross, $36,480 to $50,030 before on-road costs; C-HR, $42,990 to $54,990 before on-road costs.

2024 Honda ZR-V

• E:HEV LX: $54,900 drive-away.
• Toyota hybrid rival: Corolla Cross, $36,480 to $50,030 before on-road costs; RAV4, $42,260 to $58,360 before on-road costs.

2024 Honda CR-V

• E:HEV RS (five-seat FWD): $59,900 drive-away.
• Toyota hybrid rival: RAV4, $42,260 to $58,360 before on-road costs.