For decades now, Toyota has maintained its position as the best-selling SUV in Nigeria. Fast forward to 2023, Fast Honda Automobile Western Africa (HAWA) at the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) headquarters in Abuja, introduced the brand-new 2024 Honda HR-V.
This Nigerian-built HR-V is a testament to the nation’s growing automotive prowess under the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP). Designed with Nigerian roads and drivers in mind, the 2023 Honda HR-V combines style, versatility, and affordability. After this introduction, the 2023 Honda HR-V has become the king of brand-new SUVs in Nigeria. In this article, we explore why the 2023 Honda HR-V is dominating Nigeria’s SUV market, its features, pricing in Naira, and its alignment with the NAIDP’s vision for local production.
The 2023 Honda HR-V Sport 2WD, with its specific design, is only available in the Nigerian market. proudly assembled at Honda’s plant in Otta, Ogun State. Presented by HAWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Takashi Nakajima, and Sales Manager, Mr. Remi Adams, to NADDC Director-General, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, the vehicle showcases world-class quality comparable to Honda’s global standards.
The NAIDP (2013–2023, extended to 2033) aims to transform Nigeria into a regional hub for automotive manufacturing by offering fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to encourage local assembly. With the 2023 HR-V, Honda is contributing to this vision, supporting the plan’s target of creating 1 million jobs and achieving 40% local content in vehicle production by 2033.
The 2023 Honda HR-V has captured the attention of Nigerian drivers with its sleek design, practical features, and affordability. Frequently spotted in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, this subcompact crossover blends luxury with functionality, making it ideal for Nigeria’s diverse driving conditions. Its local assembly ensures it’s tailored to handle the country’s unique road challenges, from urban traffic to rural terrains.
Nigerian-Built Quality: Assembled in Otta, Ogun State, with strict adherence to Honda’s global production standards.
Versatile Design: Features Honda’s iconic Magic Seats for flexible cargo space, perfect for Nigerian families and entrepreneurs.
Fuel Efficiency: Optimised for Nigeria’s fuel-conscious market, offering excellent mileage for city and highway driving.
Advanced Technology: Equipped with modern features like a touchscreen display, smart entry, and safety systems tailored for Nigerian roads.
Affordable Pricing: Competitively priced in Naira to suit Nigeria’s growing middle class.
The 2023 Honda HR-V boasts a refreshed exterior that appeals to Nigeria’s style-conscious drivers. It's sporty yet elegant look turns heads, whether parked at a Lagos mall or cruising through Enugu. Key exterior features include:
Redesigned Grille: A bold “flying wing” grille in dark chrome, extending over projector-style LED headlights for a modern, aggressive stance.
LED Headlights and Fog Lights: Enhance visibility on Nigeria’s often poorly lit roads, with panoramic sunroof options on higher trims.
Sporty Front Bumper: Combines rugged appeal with elegance, ideal for Nigeria’s varied terrains.
18-Inch Alloy Wheels: Available on higher trims, offering a smooth ride and premium aesthetics.
The HR-V’s compact dimensions (Length: 4348mm, Width: 1772mm, Height: 1605mm, Wheelbase: 2610mm) make it nimble enough for crowded city streets while maintaining a commanding presence.
The 2023 HR-V’s interior is designed with Nigerian families and entrepreneurs in mind, offering a spacious cabin despite its subcompact classification. Assembled locally, it incorporates features that cater to the needs of Nigerian drivers.
The HR-V’s second-row Magic Seats are a standout, allowing for multiple configurations to accommodate passengers or cargo. Whether you’re transporting market goods in Onitsha or musical equipment for a gig in Abuja, the 60:40 folding seats and flip-up design provide up to 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (FWD models). This versatility is a game-changer for Nigerian small business owners and families.
6.8-Inch Touchscreen Display: Standard on both Fabric and Leather grades, with USB and HDMI ports for connectivity.
Smart Entry and Push Start: Streamlines access and ignition, perfect for busy Nigerian lifestyles.
Electric Parking Brake (EPB) and Automatic Brake Hold (ABH): Enhances convenience in stop-and-go traffic.
Panoramic Sunroof: Available on Leather grade, adding a touch of luxury for Nigeria’s elite.
Dual-Zone Climate Control: Keeps passengers comfortable during Nigeria’s hot and humid seasons.
The interior’s soft-touch materials and ergonomic layout ensure comfort on long drives, such as from Lagos to Kano, while the rear seats offer sufficient legroom for adults on shorter trips.
The 2023 Honda HR-V is powered by a 1.8-litre 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC engine, delivering 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). While not the most powerful in its class, it’s optimised for fuel efficiency and reliability, crucial for Nigerian drivers facing fluctuating fuel prices.
The HR-V’s fuel efficiency is a major draw, with estimates of approximately 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (based on global FWD models). This makes it an economical choice for daily commutes in Ibadan or road trips to Calabar, helping drivers save on fuel costs amidst Nigeria’s economic realities.
The HR-V’s electric power steering and well-tuned suspension provide nimble handling and a smooth ride, absorbing potholes and bumps common on Nigerian roads. The available all-wheel-drive (AWD) option enhances traction for rainy regions or off-road adventures, such as trips to Yankari National Park.
Safety is paramount for Nigerian buyers, and the 2023 HR-V delivers with robust features. While specific safety ratings for the Nigerian-built model are unavailable, its global counterpart earned a five-star NHTSA rating, reflecting Honda’s commitment to safety.
LED Daytime Running Lights: Improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Honda Sensing Suite: Available on higher trims, including Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control for enhanced safety in Lagos traffic.
Sturdy Build: Designed to withstand Nigeria’s challenging road conditions, as demonstrated by local assembly standards.
Nigerian owners have praised the HR-V’s durability, with one Abuja driver sharing on social media how the vehicle’s robust construction protected them during a minor collision on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
The 2023 Honda HR-V is competitively priced to appeal to Nigeria’s growing middle class. While exact prices vary due to exchange rates, import duties, and dealer markups, the locally assembled HR-V benefits from reduced costs under the NAIDP’s incentives, such as lower duties on semi-knocked-down (SKD) and completely-knocked-down (CKD) kits.
Fabric Grade: Starting at approximately ₦35,000,000.
Leather Grade: Starting at approximately ₦40,000,000.
These estimates are based on market trends and may vary by dealership. For precise pricing, visit trusted platforms like Carlots.ng or authorised Honda dealers in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt. The NAIDP’s incentives, such as zero-duty CKD kits, help keep prices competitive compared to fully imported SUVs.
To make the HR-V accessible, NADDC has partnered with banks like Zenith, Wema, and Jaiz to offer single-digit vehicle finance schemes, with ₦5 billion allocated for low-interest loans. Check with dealers or Carlots.ng for financing plans tailored to Nigerian buyers.
The National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) has been instrumental in the HR-V’s local production. Launched in 2013 and extended to 2033, the NAIDP encourages local assembly through incentives like reduced import duties (0% for CKD kits, 5–10% for SKD kits) and tax holidays. Since its inception, the plan has increased Nigeria’s vehicle assembly capacity from 80,000 units in 2012 to 500,000 by 2017, with companies like Honda investing over $1 billion in local plants.
The 2023 HR-V’s production in Otta aligns with NAIDP’s goals of job creation, technology transfer, and reduced foreign exchange expenditure on imported vehicles. However, challenges like the non-passage of the NAIDP Bill and fluctuating Naira values have led to a surge in used vehicle imports, which could impact local assembly growth.
The 2023 HR-V faces stiff competition in Nigeria’s subcompact SUV market but stands out due to its local assembly and tailored features:
Toyota Corolla Cross: Offers more cargo space but lacks the HR-V’s Magic Seats and local production benefits.
Hyundai Kona: Features advanced tech but is pricier due to import costs.
Innoson IVM Fox: A locally made alternative, but it lacks the HR-V’s global brand reliability and refinement.
The HR-V’s 2023 Car-of-the-Year award from the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) underscores its dominance, beating out competitors like the Suzuki S-Presso and Changan Eado.
The 2023 HR-V is a cost-effective choice for Nigerians, with low maintenance costs and excellent fuel economy. Honda’s global reliability score of 82/100 (J.D. Power) ensures long-term dependability. The local assembly also means easier access to spare parts and after-sales service through Honda’s network across Nigeria.
Use high-quality Octane 87 fuel to maintain engine performance.
Follow Honda’s service schedule for oil changes and tire rotations.
Inspect suspension components regularly due to Nigeria’s rough roads.
Honda offers a three-year/90,000-mile warranty, with extended coverage for specific components, providing peace of mind for Nigerian owners.
The 2023 HR-V is available through authorised Honda dealerships and trusted platforms like Carlots.ng. Visit dealers in Lagos, Abuja, or Otta for test drives, or browse online for new and certified pre-owned models. The NADDC’s support for local assembly ensures competitive pricing and availability.
Nigerian drivers have lauded the 2023 HR-V for its fuel efficiency, versatility, and local production. A Port Harcourt owner shared, “The HR-V is perfect for my business trips and family outings. It handles our roads well and saves fuel.” Some have noted the engine’s modest power but appreciate its reliability and affordability.
The 2023 Honda HR-V, proudly built in Nigeria, is a game-changer in the subcompact SUV market. It's local assembly, backed by the NAIDP, ensures affordability and relevance to Nigerian needs, while its stylish design, versatile Magic Seats, and reliable performance make it a top contender. Whether you’re a Lagos commuter or an adventurer exploring Nigeria’s landscapes, the HR-V delivers value and pride in Nigerian craftsmanship.
Ready to own the 2023 Honda HR-V? Visit Carlots.ng or your nearest Honda dealership to explore pricing and financing options. Drive the SUV that’s redefining Nigeria’s automotive future!
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