Honda’s answer to the Toyota RAV4 to be available here in turbo and hybrid forms
Honda Australia has confirmed a mid-year release for the all-new 2023 Honda ZR-V preliminary local details for which have now also been announced.
No pricing details have yet been revealed, but the Honda ZR-V – known as the HR-V in the US – is an all-new mid-size SUV that will be positioned between the smaller HR-V and the upcoming sixth-generation CR-V as Honda Australia’s third SUV model line.
Like the latest Civic on which it’s based, the 2023 Honda ZR-V will be available with both turbo-petrol and e:HEV hybrid powertrains, so the ZR-V e:HEV will become a new rival for the top-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Honda locked in the ZR-V for Australia in May 2022, when it also confirmed the ZR-V name and a 2023 release for the new model locally.
Now it has confirmed the entry-level ZR-V VTi X, mid-range VTi L and flagship VTi LX variants will all be powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol VTEC engine, with a 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid system reserved for the top-shelf ZR-V e:HEV LX.
Both powertrains will come as standard with a CVT automatic transmission (with Drive Mode Select for petrol variants).
Powertrain outputs are yet to be finalised for Australia, but in other markets the petrol-only ZR-V makes 131kW and 240Nm, while the two-motor petrol-electric ZR-V produced 135kW and 315Nm.
All ZR-V vehicles will come standard with Honda’s Sensing safety suite including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which Honda calls Collison Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), as well as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), plus front and rear parking sensors.
Other range-wide standard features will include LED headlights with Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) and a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
And while the base VTi X grade will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, all other variants will come with 18-inch alloys and all vehicles will come with five years of complimentary Honda Connect Telematic services.
“At Honda Australia, we are committed to bringing joyful and premium experiences through our products and services, during the moments that matter,” said Honda Australia director Carolyn McMahon.
“As the first new Honda SUV model launched since 1999, we are thrilled to offer Australians a medium-size SUV with sporty drivability, in-car smart connectivity, and elevated contemporary design features.
“This is an exciting time for Honda Australia, as we continue to see a shift in the SUV market in Australia and an opportunity for growth in the medium-SUV segment.
“We are committed to providing Australians with a medium SUV that is comfortable and fun to drive, with a sleek interior and sporty silhouette that reflects the individual personalities of Australians. The Honda ZR-V’s form and function will redefine how SUVs are seen, and we’re excited to bring it to our customers in 2023.”
Honda Australia says it will announce full specifications and pricing for the ZR-V in the coming months, ahead of its mid-2023 release.
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Keyword: 2023 Honda ZR-V confirmed for Australia