Honda enters a new stage in Argentina: that of electrification. The Japanese brand announced that it will begin selling its first models with hybrid technology alongside two classics.
In a double presentation held in the province of Jujuy, the automaker announced that in October the CR-V Advanced Hybridthe all-wheel drive and electrified version of the new SUV that was launched on the market at the beginning of 2024.
In this way, the hybrid SUV materializes and puts an end to the mystery of the enigmatic “pixelated” model with which the brand had been flirting for a long time.
The second one to go on sale will be the new one Civic Advanced Hybridwhich will return to the market after being discontinued a couple of years ago when it stopped being manufactured in Brazil. The eleventh generation will arrive from Thailand and will begin selling from November.
The emblematic model that has already exceeded five decades since its launch is an iconic car for Argentines. Its history in the local market began in 1980 and it will return equipped with unprecedented and efficient technology.
But since there are no two without three, during the event it was announced that in 2025 the new hybrid Accord to the electrified portfolio, although at the moment without a confirmed launch date.
“With this scoop we are unveiling our second pixelated car. We hope to be able to present it as an avant-premiere in January 2025, but we cannot confirm it yet,” said Víctor Pruvost, commercial manager of Honda Argentina.
Electrified SUV with all-wheel drive
The CR-V is an emblematic and benchmark model among medium-sized SUVs that came to position itself as the leader in its segment, and is also the best-selling Honda model in the world.
This hybrid version will arrive from Thailand equipped with a 2.0-liter Atkinson thermal engine. 148 horsepowerassociated with an electric generator and another electric motor of 184 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque powered by a battery; e-CVT transmission with “B” Brake mode (energy regeneration control) and four-wheel drive.
Regarding equipment, the diez airbags (front and front sides, curtain, rear sides and knee for driver and passenger), connectivity system with 9″ touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto (both wired or wireless), wireless charger, panoramic sunroof and Bose audio system.
The sale price will be announced during its commercial launch in October, although the brand announced that it will be below $75,000.
Civic: an expected return
With around 30 million units sold since 1972, the Civic is an emblem of the global automotive industry. And this eleventh honors its past with unprecedented hybrid technology.
It will have an electromechanical formula similar to that of the CR-V although with other values: the 2.0-liter Atkinson engine delivers a power of 143 CV while the electric motor has the same 184 HP but with a slightly lower torque (314 Nm); e-CVT box with Sport and Econ mode.
The main equipment list will be made up of eight airbags (front and front sides, curtain, rear sides), the same CR-V connectivity system, wireless charging, electric sunroof and Bose audio system.
Its price will be less than 65,000 dollars although it will be announced during its launch in November.
A no less important fact is that both models will have an evolved version of the driving assistance package (Honda Sensing), consisting of adaptive cruise control with low-speed following, autonomous emergency braking, active lane-keeping system and automatic light adjustment.
How Honda’s e:HEV system works
This hybrid technology operates mostly in electric mode and alternates the traction supply between the electric and combustion motors depending on the situation (starting, city, highway).
If necessary, the combustion engine can work together with the generator engine to supply power. Unlike others, there is a mode where the combustion engine is directly connected to the wheels through a simple clutch system. This mode is activated only at cruising speeds, when the combustion engine works in its most energy efficient range.
This system has four modes of operation:
- Electric Mode: 100% electric with surprising power and instant torque, powered by advanced technology batteries.
- Hybrid Mode: Through e:HEV technology, the combustion engine acts as a power generator for the electric motor, maintaining 100% electric traction.
- Combustion Mode: Only in high cruising speed situations does the combustion engine activate to drive the wheels.
- Regeneration Mode: intelligently manages the energy generated during braking and even movement, to automatically recharge the batteries
These vehicles are in line with one of the company’s global objectives for 2050, to achieve zero carbon emissions in all products and corporate activities.
