Brand new Honda ZR-V The mid-size SUV may have just started arriving in Australia, but the top-spec hybrid version is already sold out for 2023.
The Japanese brand has launched a four-variant range for its new rivals to the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, and the most expensive — the ZR-V e:HEV LX, at $54,900 drive-away — has been the standout. for customers.
Speaking at the launch of the new model, Honda Australia director Carolyn McMahon said the brand had a very strong booking bank for the petrol version, but the hybrid had been the highlight of the book, so far.
Ms McMahon said the brand was finally starting to see a stronger supply of vehicles that should see the company surge towards its stated target of 20,000 sales in a calendar year, and the ZR-V was expected to play a big part in that.
“The booking bank for the new Honda ZR-V for the petrol variant is a few months out, and our hybrid is out until December. So, we are seeing very strong demand,” he said.
“I just got back from Bangkok earlier this week, and we’ve had really great support, and our Honda Center is gearing up to be able to deliver at that 20,000 mark in Q4 this year, Q1 next year.
“So, I’m really looking forward to it because the demand is very strong at the moment for us. Even if you don’t see it in the retail numbers, certainly our order bank is very, very strong,” he said.
The ZR-V e:HEV hybrid uses a common powertrain – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with a pair of electric motors and an e-CVT automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. It has a combined output of 135kW and 315Nm.
Honda Australia has indicated its intention to add more petrol-electric variants of the ZR-V in the future, but the company could not outline the exact timing of any such additions.
Honda currently has the top-spec e:HEV LX version of the Civic hatchback ($55,000 drive) and the HR-V small SUV ($47,000 drive).
The new generation CR-V SUV, which will be larger than the current model and will be launched in the coming months, is set to also feature the range-topping e:HEV LX grade.
MORE: It’s all Honda ZR-Vs
