Want cheaper Honda hybrids? Less-expensive petrol-electric hatchbacks and SUVs are in the pipeline at last, and should include HR-V, ZR-V and CR-V models

One of the criticisms Honda has copped lately is that its popular Civic and HR-V e:HEV hybrids are priced too highly because they're only available in the most expensive grades in Australia – but that may change in the near future.

Speaking to the press at the launch of the Civic Type R in Melbourne late last month, Honda Australia Director, Carolyn McMahon, revealed the company is looking at broaden the reach of hybrids in this market by introducing (slightly) less well-equipped and specified versions, that should see them become more attainable.

While we're not talking about stripped-out specials to take on brands like Haval and MG out of China (as the brand has stated that it is now prioritising profit over volume that includes selling more-expensive but highly-specified models with greater aftersales service), the move is designed to better ‘democratise' Honda's hybrid strategy in Australia within this new framework, as all of its core models switch to petrol-electric availability by next year.

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"Because Honda's strategy is that hybrid is right for us, we'll be looking at opportunities to expand," McMahon said.

"The first step is making sure we've got a hybrid in each model, and then we'll always have an open mind about what else we could add to trim levels… not confirming anything here, but certainly we think that's the right approach to further expand our hybrids."

“There’s always opportunities for us,” McMahon responded. “But I’ll be clear. Jazz isn’t in our plans.

With Honda Australia already confirming that it has put electric vehicles (EVs) on the backburner for the time being until the right car (read: SUV) with enough range for Australia comes along, the introduction of hybrid in the HR-V last year, along with the return of hybrid in Civic after an eight-year absence, are only the first pieces in a much-larger jigsaw puzzle.

"Our hybrid strategy is only coming to light now, but we have done that planning a long time before," McMahon said.

"In terms of product line-up, I think it's all about having the right model line-up for us. Our decision is to only have it in those higher grades, and as time goes on, our strategy is to expand that further."

One of the criticisms Honda has copped lately is that its popular Civic and HR-V e:HEV hybrids are priced too highly.

So, does the looming introduction of cheaper hybrids within the existing Honda range open the door for the return of a sub-Civic or HR-V model, such as the Jazz supermini?

"There's always opportunities for us," McMahon responded. "But I'll be clear. Jazz isn't in our plans.

The introduction of hybrid in the HR-V last year, along with the return of hybrid in Civic after an eight-year absence, are only the first pieces in a much-larger jigsaw puzzle.

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With Honda Australia already confirming that it has put electric vehicles (EVs) on the backburner for the time being until the right car (read: SUV) with enough range for Australia comes along.

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"But that's not to say (never), as we go forward and look at what the market's doing and what vehicles are available to us, we'll continue to scan and look for opportunities."

Other models in contention could include the Hyundai Venue-sized second-generation Honda W-RV (Winsome Roundabout Vehicle) that debuted in Indonesia in the second half of last year, or the slightly larger BR-V (Bold Roundabout Vehicle) on which it's based upon. That's also in its second-gen guise, having been released in 2021.

Other models in contention could include the Hyundai Venue-sized second-generation Honda W-RV (Winsome Roundabout Vehicle).

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The W-RV debuted in Indonesia in the second half of last year.

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Critically, for Australia, they're both built in right-hand-drive form, though whether either will have the available desired driver-assist safety or other advanced tech that their sophisticated siblings espouse is not known.

Watch this space.