But the firm is looking to build its presence in Europe again, and as a result, is introducing a number of new or heavily refreshed cars. The first of these is a new generation of the popular CR-V, while a slightly smaller ZR-V will arrive as a brand-new addition to Honda’s line-up as well. Let’s take a look at what to expect.
CR-V
The CR-V has been a key part of Honda’s line-up since 1995, when it arrived as a compact SUV, which was really quite ahead of its time.
There’s been a lot of change in that time, with the CR-V growing in size, becoming a more popular choice with families and in the case of the outgoing model, being offered solely with hybrid power.
Honda is now introducing its new-generation CR-V and the hybrid element is very much remaining, as this is all this new model will be offered with as well. Set to use the same 181bhp hybrid powertrain as the latest Civic, which has been widely praised, it uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine with twin electric motors.
The big news, though, is the addition of a new plug-in hybrid, which will be a first for Honda. The full details are yet to be confirmed, but it’s set to offer an electric range of up to 50 miles, and recharged in 2.5 hours.
The new CR-V will also grow in size again, partly to allow room for the new ZR-V to enter the range, and as a result, this new Honda is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing CR-V. It’s set to pack more legroom, while the boot volume is twice as big as the existing model.
Honda is set to stay true to the CR-V’s recognisable silhouette, but gets a more purposeful stance with an exclusive grille design and new headlight signature, among other changes.
ZR-V
Price from £39,495
As part of Honda’s revived line-up, there is the introduction of a new model called the ZR-V. It will be positioned between the HR-V and CR-V SUVs in terms of size, and will also be exclusively sold with hybrid powertrains.
The superb powertrain from the Civic will once again serve as the basis for the ZR-V, with its 2.0-litre petrol-electric setup serving up 181bhp, while it’s expected to be able to return more than 50 mpg as well.
Honda is pitching the ZR-V as a more dynamic option too, with the firm saying it has been ‘engineered to deliver the driving characteristics and high levels of agility usually associated with sports hatchbacks’.
It will also be quite a sportier-looking model in terms of its overall design, with an angular front end and sharp LED lighting, while the cabin adopts the familiar (and excellent) setup seen in the Civic.