Honda Australia anticipates about one-third of sales for its all-new HR-V to be hybrid, but that ratio is expected to grow as time goes on.
Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said the company’s local division expects the HR-V e:HEV – the first hybrid version of its small SUV in Australia – to account for 35 per cent of the mix at launch, with the cheaper Vi X petrol accounting for the remainder.
Mr Collins added that initial feedback “from our retail network is that hybrid is stronger than [35 per cent], but we think that it will settle at that sort of percentage mix”.
“We think over the next few years, obviously, that hybrid percentage will grow.”
Overseas models pictured
The HR-V e:HEV L is already seeing wait times of up to four months depending on colour, according to the local division, despite going on sale just weeks ago.
According to Mr Collins, a lot of that is down to supply issues.
“One of the issues we’re facing like everyone at the moment is just supply,” Mr Collins said.
“So I think there’s a reasonably healthy wait already, but we’re working to correct that.”
Pricing for the top-spec 2022 Honda HR-V e:HEV L starts at $45,000 drive-away, nearly $9000 more than the entry-level petrol-only HR-V Vi X, though the electrified model also comes with more features.
The hybrid HR-V features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain, quoting system outputs of 96kW (4000-8000rpm) and 253Nm (0-3000rpm). More importantly, combined fuel use is rated at a thrifty 4.3L/100km – which isn’t quite as good as the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 2WD’s 3.8L/100km combined claim.
While those outputs seem a little meek on paper, the HR-V e:HEV lines up well against the 1.5-litre Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid (85kW, N/A Nm), 1.8-litre Toyota C-HR Hybrid (90kW, N/A Nm) and 1.6-litre Kia Niro Hybrid (104kW/265Nm)
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our Australian first drive review of the new HR-V e:HEV on May 12.
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