Honda CR-V and Civic hatchback to go diesel in Australia

26/02/2013 - 14:57 | ,   | Nithyanandh K

Honda had recently launched the new CR-V in India but without the much needed diesel engine.

2013 Honda CR-V front quarterhonda civic hatch diesel

While Indians are still in the waiting list for the diesel CR-V, the Aussies are slated to get the car in late 2013 or in early 2014. However, the first diesel Honda for the Australian market will be the Civic hatchback that will go on sale in April.

At roughly the same time, India will also welcome its first diesel Honda, the Amaze sedan. The Japanese auto giant who was banking on petrol hybrids to negate the lack of diesel has now realized that diesel technology is important and has started taking the newly developed Earth Dreams diesel engine to places.

Mr. Stephan Collins, Head of sales and marketing at Honda Australia, told Caradvice.com- "I think our strategy up until a year and half ago was more hybrid but now it’s a combination of diesel and hybrid." He also added that the diesel market is an opportunity that Honda couldn't miss.

The sales of diesel SUVs in Australia grew by a phenomenal 50.6% in 2012 and the sales of diesel passenger cars is rising as well. However, the hybrid cars constitute a meager 1.5% of the Australian car market. No wonder then, that Honda wants to take their diesel engine to the island continent.

Here in India, Honda faces even more compulsive environment favoring diesel powered cars, but the CR-V would likely remain as a petrol only SUV for the near future. That's sad considering that the diesel SUV segment is thriving.

[Source: Caradvice.com]

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