Honda Picks CR-V Hybrid Over Diesel In Europe; Should It Do That In India Too?

Does it make sense for Honda to test waters in India with the CR-V Hybrid at the cost of the diesel engine?

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V debuted in Europe at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in hybrid and petrol avatars only, unlike the previous generation CR-V, which was available in Europe with a diesel engine as well. With only the petrol and hybrid powertrains announced for Europe, Honda has, reportedly, ditched the diesel engine altogether, which could be owing to a drop in the sales of diesel-powered cars.

The hybrid powertrain in question is the same that Honda offers with the new tenth-generation Accord and the ninth-gen model that is currently being retailed in India. Honda’s Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system features a 2.0-litre i-VTEC Atkinson cycle petrol engine and two electric motors, mated to an E-CVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission). It puts out same figures as the Accord - max system output is 215PS and fuel efficiency stands at an impressive 20kmpl (4.8l/100km, China-spec SUV).

Can Honda also do the same for India?

Honda showcased the fifth-gen CR-V in India at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo in February 2018 and is expected to launch it later this year. The new CR-V will be getting a diesel engine and 7-seater option for the first time in India. Diesel motors are still the preferred engine type for SUVs in our country and hence, chances of Honda ditching it seem slim.

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But does Honda CR-V Hybrid even make sense for India?

It does, at least, alongside the diesel for now. The new feature-rich, seven-seat CR-V is expected to be more expensive than the current model (Rs 24.39 lakh - 26.68 lakh ex-Delhi) with diesel variants likely to be the dearer ones. A range-topping hybrid model will only make CR-V’s package stronger in the country.

Thanks to being a petrol-only offering for all its life in India, the CR-V has always been a niche product in a pool of diesel SUVs. That said, it could also cash in on the silent hybrid model's diesel-like fuel efficiency coupled with its renowned refinement, fit and finish and low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). And that, along with the CR-V diesel in the lineup for people willing to compromise on NVH and refinement (relatively) would make perfect sense. Moreover, unlike the Accord, the CR-V will be locally assembled in the country and the Hybrid’s prices, if launched, might not be unquestionably high as is the case with the sedan.

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