Honda HR-V Heading for Iran Market

Golrang Motor Family has imported a new Honda crossover model to Iran and will start sales soon.

Local automotive website, Asbe Bokhar says Golrang Motor showcased the new Honda HR-V at its headquarters in Tehran at the weekend.

The company is yet to announce the price for the car. However, considering the pricing system previously used by Golrang for other Honda vehicles, the HR-V is likely to come at around $45,600 in the local market.

HR-V, thanks to its spacious cabin, quality interior, smooth ride, and excellent cargo space, has been popular with crossover buyers with lower budgets in markets that do not slap heavy import tariffs on the vehicles.

It remains to be seen if with the $45,600 price tag, the car will appeal to people in the same price conscious group in Iran.

The vehicle’s cargo space is highlighted by Honda's rear so-called Magic Seat, which allows for multiple configurations.

It comes with a 128bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine having the option of a six-speed manual or automatic CVT transmission.

During the final months of the previous Iranian year (ended in March), the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade changed the laws concerning auto imports.

According to the new rules, only companies with official representation contracts with foreign automakers can import cars.

When the new mandate was issued, Golrang Motor did not have a representation deal with Honda, and the ministry did not allow imports by the firm, according to Iran’s Guilds and Traders Center.

But with the latest announcement by the Golrang Group, it apparently has crossed the hurdle, and should be an official representative' of the major Japanese carmaker.

Before the rules were rewritten, the company had stocked hundreds of Honda Accords and the larger CR-V.