2023 Honda ZR-V hybrid confirmed for Australia

It’s been a long time since this once-popular brand introduced a new model into the local market, but this family-friendly off-roader could prove a hit with buyers.

Honda has confirmed a new mid-size SUV is coming to Australia.

Honda has confirmed a new arrival in the hotly contested compact SUV market.

Dubbed the ZR-V, it’ll slot between the current HR-V compact SUV and the mid-sized CR-V SUV in the Japanese brand’s local line-up.

Honda Australia has confirmed the new softroader will arrive locally in the middle of this year and buyers will have the choice of either petrol or hybrid power.

There will be three petrol variants available Down Under and only one fully loaded hybrid version.

The new Honda ZR-V will arrive by mid year.

Petrol-only variants will use a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the single hybrid variant has a 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol engine and two electric motors.

Honda Australia hasn’t confirmed power outputs for either, but the same engines are used on the Civic small car

The petrol-powered Honda Civic makes 131kW and 240Nm and the hybrid makes 135kW and 315Nm.

There will be petrol and hybrid option.

Honda will release full details of the ZR-V closer to its local launch, but has confirmed it’ll have a comprehensive array of safety tech, flashy alloy-wheels and a nine-inch infotainment display with plug-in Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

It’ll have a premium interior, too.

Honda Australia boss, Carolyn McMahon says: “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.”

In 2021, Honda Australia switched to an “agency model”, which means head office owns all the stock and sets a standard non-negotiable price for its vehicles. Buyers and dealers can no longer haggle on prices and instead the franchised dealers simply deliver and service the vehicles.

Originally published as 2023 Honda ZR-V hybrid confirmed for Australia