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It’s no secret Honda is cooking up a couple of all-new SUV models, and one of them is all but confirmed for Australia. And now we have a good idea of what the larger one could entail.
Best Car Web has published two renderings of the unnamed crossover that is heavily rumoured to slot in between the small HR-V and mid-size CR-V as a segment-straddler that has its sights set on the Toyota Corolla Cross, Haval Jolion and Subaru XV.
Of course, these renderings are unofficial, although they are based on information from the Japanese publication’s sources, so they could be on the money. Either way, the next HR-V’s design influence is clear.
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Interestingly, Best Car Web claims the all-new model, due to be revealed late this year, will be based on the recently launched 11th-generation Civic small hatchback, which corroborates what another Japanese publication, Car Sensor, reported last December.
In fact, Car Sensor went a step further by suggesting the small-to-mid-sizer would measure about 4500mm long, 1800mm wide and 1625mm tall, splitting the difference between the HR-V (4340mm/1790mm/1582mm) and current CR-V (4635mm/1855mm/1689mm).
Needless to say, the stage is set for the segment-straddler to be motivated by the Civic’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine or its upcoming ‘self-charging’ petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
Given the local trademarking of the ZR-V nameplate, CarsGuide previously speculated Honda Australia’s third crossover would instead be positioned below the HR-V, as a light SUV that would challenge the Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross and Kia Stonic.
As reported, the ZR-V is widely expected to be offered in Southeast Asian markets, at minimum, as an entry-level crossover, having seemingly been previewed by the RS Concept from a recent Indonesian motor show.
Speaking to CarsGuide and other media last December, Honda Australia’s director, Stephen Collins, left the door open for either potential model, noting the new local addition “will definitely be under CR-V”.
But strengthening the possibility of the larger SUV was Mr Collin’s indication that Honda Australia would import more of its future models from Japan, as it decreased its reliance on other export markets, namely Thailand.
That nugget of information is important because the rumour mill suggests the segment-straddling crossover will be built in Japan, whereas the expected ZR-V is likely to be made in at least one Southeast Asian market, likely Thailand.
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