The Honda HR-V Hybrid cannot be transferred to the BR-V and WR-V.

KatadataOTO – PT HPM (Honda Prospect Motor) launched the HR-V hybrid for Indonesian consumers on Tuesday (10/05).

For the first time, Honda has introduced a locally assembled 1,500 cc hybrid engine.

Although the manufacturer is said to be capable of assembling hybrid engines, Honda has not yet equipped other flagship models like the BR-V and Brio with it.

The Brio itself is now one of the backbones of Honda's domestic sales. 

Photo : KatadataOTO

“Currently, the Honda BR-V and WR-V platforms cannot accommodate a hybrid system. There's the battery and (differences in) the placement of the fuel tank,” said Shugo Watanabe, President Director of PT HPM in Jakarta, on Tuesday.

According to him, modifying or changing the platform to accommodate the e:HEV technology would require more costs.

Meanwhile, the HR-V's platform has indeed been optimized for the addition of Honda's e:HEV technology.

So, although its arrival is anticipated, it seems an affordable hybrid car like the Brio will not be coming anytime soon.

“The HR-V is considered the right product to start the hybrid expansion, a proper foundation towards electrification. It needs support from all parties to foster interest and educate consumers,” said Shugo.

The representative from Honda Indonesia did not deny that there is still a chance for other hybrid technologies to be embedded in other models. It's just not yet certain when.

When asked about the possibility of the CR-V Hybrid being locally assembled, Honda emphasized that they must look at the demand figures first.

“If the economies of scale make sense, we will consider localization here. We are observing the market conditions,” said Yusak Billy, Sales & Marketing and After Sales Director of PT HPM on the same occasion.

For your information, the Honda HR-V Hybrid is marketed with a price tag under Rp 500 million, adjusting to the expectations of domestic consumers.

Photo : KatadataOTO

The highest type, RS e:HEV, replaces the RS Turbo variant and is offered at Rp 488 million OTR (On The Road) Jakarta.

Meanwhile, the lowest hybrid variant, the SE e:HEV, is priced at Rp 449 million. A non-hybrid option with additional features is also available.

Latest Honda HR-V Prices OTR Jakarta

RS e:HEV Rp 488 million
e:HEV Modulo, Rp 460.7 million
e:HEV, Rp 449 million
e plus CVT, Rp 422 million
e CVT, Rp 399.9 million