Honda lobs more Limited Editions

HONDA has added more value into two of its most popular models, with the introduction of Limited Edition (LE) versions of its top-selling HR-V compact SUV and the City light sedan.

The pair of Limited Edition models follow on from the CR-V LE that rolled into Honda showrooms in mid-June.

According to Honda Australia, the HR-V LE includes $3200 worth of extra features but the price has risen by just $1500 to $26,490 over the entry-level VTi on which it is based. It is also being offered for a national driveaway price of $28,490.

On top of the standard gear in the HR-V VT-i, the LE gains side steps, front foglights, rear parking sensors, Limited Edition badging and 17-inch alloy wheels, up from the standard 16-inch hoops of the VTi.

The base HR-V already has the Display Audio with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Bluetooth and multi-angle reversing camera, six-speaker audio, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, electric park brake, fabric seat trim, power windows, a multi-information display and Honda’s versatile Magic Seats in the rear all as standard.

Powering the HR-V is Honda’s 1.8-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 105kW/172Nm and driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The City LE, meanwhile, receives $4000 worth of additional goodies adds features for an extra $1600 over the City VTi-L sedan that it is based on.

Those additional features include a sports grille, Limited Edition badging, metallic paint, rear parking sensors and a Modulo Sports Pack that includes a front and rear under spoilers, a side skirt kit and a rear wing spoiler.

This is on top of the Display Audio with the reversing camera, multi-information display, steering wheel mounted audio controls, climate control air-con, keyless entry and start, leather-wrapped steering wheel and electrically folding exterior mirrors.

City sedans use a naturally aspirated 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder also matched with a CVT.

Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said the success of previous Limited Edition variants meant it was an easy decision to introduce two new versions.

“Over the years, Honda’s Limited Edition models have provided a strong value proposition for customers cross-shopping against other brands,” he said. “After strong customer interest and the success of this year’s CR-V Limited Edition, we’re now extending the offer across the City and popular HR-V.”

There are few direct rivals for the City in the light sedan segment, but with 853 sales to the end of June this year – a 37 per cent dip over its year-to-date 2015 result – it is well ahead of the Mitsubishi Mirage sedan that has captured just 95 sales this year.

Other models such as the Mazda2, Kia Rio, Holden Barina and Hyundai Accent are all offered in sedan guise, but sales are not split by body style so it is difficult to determine the take up of booted variants.

The HR-V arrived almost 18 months ago and has quickly become the most popular Honda model on sale today with 6744 units shifted so far this year, edging out the Jazz (4561) and CR-V (4080).

It is also one of the most popular picks in the sub-$40,000 small-SUV segment but it still trails the segment-leading Mazda CX-3 (9372) and Mitsubishi’s ageing but still in-demand ASX (8775).

2016 Honda Limited Edition pricing*

City LE (a)	$22,990
HR-V LE (a)	$26,490

*Excludes on-road costs