Honda Oz marks half century with 50 Years Editions

FOUR Honda Australia models – the Jazz light hatch, Civic small car, HR-V small crossover and CR-V mid-size SUV – will play host to special 50 Years Edition variants to celebrate the Japanese brand’s golden jubilee.

Each of the 50 Years Edition vehicles are based on the VTi grade of their respective models and receive unique badging to denote their status, kicking off at $19,990 driveaway for the Jazz version.

Though the light hatch is $1000 pricier than the grade upon which it is based, Honda says that the 50 Years Edition version adds $2125 of extra equipment, including black 16-inch alloy wheels, plastic wheelarch cladding, side skirts and side-mirror caps, while exterior colour options are limited to Rally Red, Platinum White, Phoenix Orange or Modern Silver.

The Civic 50 Years Edition, meanwhile, is available in hatch and sedan body styles, both priced at $26,490, which is $1500 pricier than the VTi grade.

Extra specification on the Civic include 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and piano-black side-mirror caps, however the four- and five-door models differ in that the former gains a darkened front grille and ducktail spoiler, while the latter acquires front fog lights.

According to Honda, the value added to the Civic sedan and hatch amount to $2870 and $2290 respectively.

Paint choices in both extend to Rally Red, Platinum White, Lunar Silver and Modern Steel.

In the HR-V small SUV, the 50 Years Edition is priced $1425 upstream of the VTi, at $28,990, and includes $2700 worth of extra gear, including 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, side steps, alloy sports pedals and black side-mirror caps.

Meanwhile, the $34,990 CR-V 50 Years Edition is $1400 pricier than its VTi grade but bundles in 18-inch wheels, rear privacy glass, Honda’s LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring and front and rear parking sensors that all amount to $3790, according to the brand.

Both HR-V and CR-V SUVs share the same duco options, including Passion Red, Platinum White, Lunar Silver and Modern Steel.

No changes have been made to powertrains, meaning the Jazz employs an 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder, the Civics are powered by a 104kW/174Nm 1.8-litre motor, the HR-V is propelled by a 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre engine and the CR-V makes use of a 140kW/240Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre unit.

Honda Australia general manager of product, customer and communications Robert Thorp said the special-edition vehicles will enable all customers to revel in 50 years of the Japanese brand Down Under.

“The 50 Years Edition range celebrates an important milestone for the Honda brand in Australia,” he said.

“While the one-off gold collection of our hero performance products wasn’t available for customers to purchase, the 50 Years Edition range is firmly focused on the most popular models in Honda’s line-up, ensuring all new-car buyers have a chance to be part of the celebrations.

“We wanted to make these special limited-edition models available to as many customers as possible, so whether it’s the multi-talented Jazz, stylish Civic, versatile HR-V or family friendly CR-V, there really is something for everybody in the 50 Years Edition range.”

2019 Honda 50 Years Edition driveaway pricing