Honda will launch the ZR-V compact SUV in Europe next year as the automaker expands its electrified range in the region.
The ZR-V will be positioned between the small HR-V and the midsize CR-V in the automaker’s SUV lineup.
The ZR-V is already on sale in the U.S. badged as the HR-V with 2.0-liter non-hybrid engine. The car will also go on sale in Japan in April next year.
The European model is expected to use the same full hybrid drivetrain as the Japanese version. The 2.0-liter gasoline engine, combined with two electric motors, provides the acceleration of a V-6 3.0-liter engine, according to Honda.
The Japanese model also comes with all-wheel-drive, as well as a range of driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and a pedestrian collision mitigation steering system.
The ZR-V will be one of three SUVs Honda will launch in Europe next year as it tries to rebuild its market share in the region.
The CR-V will be replaced with a new model offering full hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. The plug-in will be a first for Honda in Europe.
The automaker will also begin sales of the e:Ny1 full-electric SUV, which is expected to compete against electric versions of the Hyundai Kona and MG ZS. Honda has yet to show pictures of the production version of the car. The SUV will be Honda’s second all-electric model after the low-selling Honda e premium-priced small car.
Honda's vehicle sales were flat in Europe to the end of September compared to the same period last year, with 52,706 vehicles sold, according to figures from Dataforce.
The HR-V just edged out the Jazz small car as the brand’s best-seller with sales of 18,861.
Honda has recently relaunched the Civic compact as a hybrid-only model.
Honda has no disclosed priving for the SUVs it will launch next year-
