RAV4 Hybrid-rivalling Honda ZR-V e:HEV sold out until December

The all-new Honda ZR-V mid-sized SUV may have only just started arriving in Australia, but the top-spec hybrid version is already sold out for 2023. 

The Japanese brand has launched a range of four variants for its new rival to the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, and the most expensive one — the ZR-V e:HEV LX, at $54,900 drive-away — has been the standout choice for customers. 

Speaking at the launch of the new model, Honda Australia director Carolyn McMahon said the brand had a very strong order bank for the petrol versions, but the hybrid has been the highlight for the books, so far. 

Ms McMahon said the brand is finally starting to see stronger vehicle supply that should see the company push towards its stated target of 20,000 sales in a calendar year, and the ZR-V is expected to play a sizeable part in that.

“The order bank for the new Honda ZR-V for petrol variants is a couple of months out, and our hybrid is out to December. So, we’re seeing really strong demand,” she said.

“I just got back from Bangkok earlier in the week, and we are locking in some really great support, and our Honda Centres are getting ready to be able to deliver at that 20,000 mark in Q4 of this year, Q1 next year. 

“So, I’m really looking forward to that because demand is really really strong at the moment for us. Even though you’re not seeing it in the retail numbers, certainly our order bank is very, very strong,” she said.

The ZR-V e:HEV hybrid uses a familiar powertrain – a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine teamed to a pair of electric motors and an e-CVT automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. It has combined outputs of 135kW and 315Nm. 

Honda Australia has expressed its desire to add more affordable petrol-electric ZR-V variants in the future, but the company was unable to outline exact timings for any such additions. 

Honda currently has e:HEV LX top-spec versions of its Civic hatchback ($55,000 drive-away) and HR-V small SUV ($47,000 drive-away).

The new-generation CR-V SUV, which will be larger than the current model and is due to launch in the coming months, is set to also feature a range-topping e:HEV LX grade.

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