Back

Honda swaps test drives for turntables at secret CR-V Listening Lounge launch party

Honda

Key Facts:

Media Assets Available: 

A full gallery of high-resolution images and broadcast-quality VNR footage from the event are now available for media use HERE. This includes: 

• High quality imagery of Don West arriving, posing with the new Honda CR-V and performing at LB’s Record Bar (available now).
• Campaign assets from the Honda 2026 CR-V Smooth Sailin campaign.

• VIP and influencer arrival shots with the Honda CR-V 

• B-roll of the venue, guest reactions, and event activations

• Soundbites from Honda spokesperson Eva Barrett 

• Honda Australia hosted an exclusive CR-V Listening Lounge in Melbourne last night, celebrating the 2026 Honda CR-V with a secret performance from one of Australia’s rising musicians , Don West. 

• Melbourne’s cultural tastemakers, media, and influencers attended the event at LB’s Record Bar, experiencing the CR-V’s ‘sophistication on every drive’ philosophy firsthand. 

 

MELBOURNE, 15 April 2026 – Last night, Honda Australia ushered in the all-new 2026 Honda CR-V with an innovative and exclusive 'Listening Lounge' experience. Drawing the city's cultural pulse for an intimate evening, the Honda CR-V Listening Lounge was soundtracked by an effortlessly smooth performance from rising star, Don West.

 

More than just a reveal, the evening was curated to embody the CR-V’s commitment to smoothness in every detail, transforming LB’s Record Bar into a sanctuary of sound, style, and effortless cool. 

 

The guest list included a curated mix of Melbourne’s leading music and lifestyle tastemakers, including Ross James Howse aka Bangin Sangas, Danish Umar and Melbourne’s best cultural tastemakers immersing them into the vehicle's serene cabin and masterfully smooth engineering before they walked through the door.

 

Epitomising smooth, Honda brought Don West to Melbourne for one night to perform an intimate, set from his latest vinyl album, Don West - EP. His performance provided a soulful soundtrack that demonstrated the silky-smooth nature of the CR-V’s new-generation e:HEV hybrid system. 

 

"This event is about redefining what a vehicle can be. We're moving the CR-V from purely functional to culturally desirable, proving that smooth engineering can inspire an effortlessly cool lifestyle," said Eva Barrett, General Manager of Brand, Marketing, and Customer Experience for Honda Australia.  

 

"Partnering with an Australian artist like Don West, whose music is the very definition of 'smooth', allowed us to create an unforgettable, immersive experience. We wanted to bring that tangible sense of 'smooth' to life in an unexpected and truly immersive way, and last night we achieved that." 

 

The all-new 2026 Honda CR-V redefines the family SUV experience with a new-generation two-motor hybrid system that delivers 152kW of combined power, and for the first time, pairs this effortlessly smooth performance with AWD capability.  

 

Australians will be able to experience the smooth CR-V as the vehicle rolls out at Honda centres across the country from April 2026.

 

-ENDS-

About us:

About Honda Motor  

Founded in 1948, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a global mobility company committed to delivering the joy and freedom of movement to people around the world. With operations in more than 150 countries, Honda is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of automobiles, motorcycles, marine, and power products. Honda’s history of innovation is fueling its growth in electrification and hybrid products while exploring other technologies in its pursuit of carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050.  

For more information about Honda Motor, visit global.honda  

 

About Honda Australia  

Honda Australia was established in Melbourne on February 4, 1969. Honda’s award-winning product line up, from cars and motorcycles to generators, lawn mowers and marine engines, have been enjoyed by millions of Australians over the last 50 years. For more information about Honda Australia visit honda.com.au  

 

Contact details:

Media Contacts: 

Edward Hawkins 

[email protected] 

0425448253