completely new Honda ZR-VA The mid-size SUV may just be starting to arrive in Australia, but the top-of-the-range hybrid is already sold out by 2023.
The Japanese brand has launched a series of four variants for its new rival Mazda CX-5 And TOYOTA RAV4and the most expensive one — the ZR-V e:HEV LX, which costs $54,900 to drive — has been a standout choice for customers.
Speaking at the launch of the new model, Honda Australia Director Carolyn McMahon said the brand had a huge order bank for petrol versions, but so far, hybrids have remained a highlight for the books. .
Ms. McMahon said the brand is finally starting to see a stronger vehicle supply, which will help the company meet its stated goal of selling 20,000 units in a calendar year, and the ZR-V is expected to will play an important role in that.
“The order bank for the new Honda ZR-V for petrol variants is a few months away, and our hybrid expires in December. So we’re seeing really strong demand.” she said.
“I just got back from Bangkok at the start of the week and we’re getting some really great support, and our Honda Centers are ready to be able to deliver 20,000 units in Q4 this year, Q1 next year.
“So I’m really looking forward to that because demand is really strong at the moment for us. Although you don’t see it in retail numbers, our order bank is certainly very, very strong,” she said.
The ZR-V e:HEV hybrid uses a familiar powertrain – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a pair of electric motors and an e-CVT automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. It has outputs of 135kW and 315Nm.
Honda Australia has expressed a desire to add more affordable petrol-electric ZR-V variants in the future, but the company could not give an exact timeline for any such additions.
Honda now has the most advanced versions of the e:HEV LX citizen hatchback ($55,000 drive away) and HR-V small SUV ($47,000 drive away).
New generation CR-V SUVwill be larger than the current model and will launch in the coming months, also set to feature a top-tier e:HEV LX.
THAN: Honda ZR-VA
