Honda: "Whole host of models" under consideration for Australia

Hot off the launch of its first electric vehicle (EV) and an expansion of its hybrid model lineup, Honda's local director says there's plenty more being looked at for the coming years.

Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the new Super-One EV, director for Honda Australia, Robert Thorp, indicated a number of new models are under consideration for Australia between now and 2028 – though wouldn't be drawn to confirm what exactly they are.

"Our strategy beyond 2026 [into] 2027-2028, we're looking at a whole host of models," Mr Thorp said.

"We can't speak to that today, but the fundamentals of our strategy aren't changing."

Said strategy is a core focus on hybrids, emphasised by the expansion of the ZR-V and CR-V SUV lineups to be now majority e:HEV hybrid models, in addition to the arrival of the Prelude hybrid sports coupe.

It's unclear what else Honda Australia could be looking into, given the bulk of its core lineup is either mostly e:HEV hybrid models or entirely hybrid – like the Civic and Accord, for example.

Looking at the Japanese-market range, the Fit (Jazz) hatchback and Step Wgn MPV both shape as logical next steps as they're both available with hybrid powertrains – though CarExpert has been told time and time again to not hold out hope for the Jazz returning to the Australian market.

The Step Wgn e:HEV makes a lot of sense if Honda wants to return to the people mover segment it once dominated, as CarExpert understands Chinese-made Hondas, like the current Odyssey e:HEV also sold in Japan, are not on the cards for Australia.

The 0 Series Alpha electric SUV – the sole surviving 0 Series model after Honda made strategic culls of future models it showed in Tokyo last year – is also a strong chance for Australia.

Revealed in prototype form for the 2025 Tokyo motor show last October, the 0 Series Alpha is scheduled to go on sale sometime next year, aimed mainly at the Japanese and Indian markets.

Further details are scant, but the Alpha is a small-medium electric SUV likely somewhere between the existing HR-V and ZR-V in terms of size, and pitched as a more attainable offering compared to the now-cancelled 0 Series SUV hence the focus on Japan and India.

Honda has also been spied testing a larger, hybrid-powered three-row SUV to sit above the CR-V in Asian markets, expected to use the Avancier name. Given it'll likely be built in Thailand, which currently supplies the Accord to Australia, this could be another possibility for our market. Thai media reports it's expected to debut before the end of 2026.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.

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