The first next-generation model to receive Honda Sensing, possibly the Jazz light car, will hit local showrooms in 2020.
However, there were some doubts as to whether “safety” was a saleable item these days. To investigate this, Honda Australia commissioned a survey of 1200 new-car buyers intending to purchase in the next two years, and it found that the local market required education on the importance and benefits of safety technologies such as the Honda Sensing suite.
However, speaking to journalists in Melbourne last week, Honda Australia director Stephen Collins revealed that the company was considering adding Honda Sensing to current-generation models, likely including the Civic small car and CR-V mid-size SUV.
Honda Sensing consists of forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist and steering assist.
While most new-car buyers showed a general understanding of airbags, anti-lock brakes and safe body structures, their knowledge of newer safety technologies was low. For example, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring were identified by 12 percent of new-car buyers surveyed, while forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking were identified by 10 percent.
However, once new-car buyers had the safety technology explained to them, their interest increased significantly. “With this knowledge, we plan to stagger the rollout of Honda Sensing and, at the same time, educate customers, ensuring they walk the journey with us and understand how Honda Sensing will complement their driving experience.”
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