Honda will bring the launch and production of its next-generation CR-V SUV forward to February next year as the company’s focus on hybrid rather than EVs shows no sign of being diluted.

According to a report by Nikkei, the CR-V – which is Honda’s best-selling product down under – is getting a complete redesign rather than an evolution with the upcoming model as it faces stiff competition from other hybrids such as Toyota’s RAV4, the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

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Next year’s CR-V should feature an upgraded version of the company’s next-gen hybrid tech, and it has previously been reported that the SUV could lose its ICE version and be hybrid-only, like the RAV4.

In late August, Automotive News reported that Honda is planning to switch all its core models to hybrid in what would be a huge change for Aussies who can currently choose from one hybrid variant and six ICE-only versions.

It was revealed that Honda is working on a heavily revamped line-up that could look entirely different by the start of the next decade, with the brand refresh including restyled vehicles and that upgraded hybrid tech.

However, it likely won’t extend to expensive new product architectures, with vice president of automobile sales for Honda America, Lance Woelfer, saying: “We’ve got the capability of making significant changes without what we could call a platform change.”

The Accord is also thought to be among the first models to get the revitalisation treatment, and could also drop ICE versions to adopt an all-hybrid line-up. The brand’s V6-powered models, which have been a mainstay in much of its SUV segment, are also set to switch to a new hybrid-assisted set-up.

It all adds up to yet more confirmation of Honda’s Toyota-like resistance to delving into BEVs, with the brand only selling one all-electric vehicle down under, the Super-ONE.