Honda Motor Co. announced Thursday that it will launch a new sport utility vehicle named "ZR-V" this autumn. The SUV market has grown around the world, and the automaker intends to aggressively promote the model in Japan.
Two models of the SUV can be preordered from September. A twin-motor hybrid version will be available, combining a 2.0-liter direct injection engine as used in the "Civic" model. A gasoline-powered version equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo engine was also unveiled. Prices were to be announced later.
The size of the new SUV is between Honda's "CR-V" and "Vezel" compact models. The ZR-V went on sale in the United States in June under the name "HR-V," receiving about 6,000 orders.
