Honda’s riding high

Honda is hoping to maintain its leading position in the subcompact crossover market with its new HR-V, which is now offered only in hybrid form.

It’s a bold move by the Japanese manufacturer, and according to a Honda spokesperson, the company may lose customers who prefer an internal combustion engine over the hybrid powertrain.

However, she said Honda has a clear corporate goal towards zero-emission vehicles, and the new HR-V does reflect this policy.

One of the main reasons for customers asking for an internal combustion engine (possibly with a turbocharger) could be the engine output. Previously in Thailand, the HR-V came with a 1.8-litre petrol engine producing 141hp and 172Nm.

With the 2022 HR-V Hybrid, the 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine acts as a range extender most of the time, driving the motor generator (the…