Dongfeng Honda launches plug-in hybrid CR-V

Dongfeng Honda, a Sino-Japanese joint venture, launched Honda's first plug-in hybrid model on Tuesday, which is expected to help the carmaker to further open up the hybrid vehicle segment in China.

The CR-V Sport Hybrid E+, available in three variants, is priced from 273,800 yuan to 299,800 yuan. The addition has made the popular SUV to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

According to the carmaker, the model's hybrid system has a top torque of 315 Nm and a maximum output of 135 kW, while the 2.0-liter engine generates a top torque of 175 Nm and a maximum output of 107 kW.

Coupled with the E-CVT transmission, the model has a fuel consumption of 1.3 liters per 100 kilometers and its mileage on pure electric mode can reach 85 km.

In terms of dimensions, the plug-in hybrid measures 4,694 mm in length, 1,861 mm in width and 1,679 mm in height. That means, it is longer and wider than the gasoline CR-V model.

As the gasoline model, the CR-V Sport Hybrid E+ features Honda's driving assist system SENSING and the infotainment system CONNECT that offers better mobility services.

Statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers show that a total of 247,000 plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles were sold in 2020 in China, up 9.1 percent year-on-year.

Dongfeng Honda, headquartered in Wuhan, Hubei province, sold 850,000 vehicles in 2020, up 6 percent year-on-year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysts say the sales are expected to reach 1 million this year as the joint venture is planning to further enrich its portfolio and the overall market is turning for the better.