We know that Honda’s latest SUV for the Indian market is under development. This SUV will rival the likes of Hyundai Creta. Now, here are some more details on the vehicle.
Why does Honda need a new SUV urgently?
In April 2023, new emission norms will be coming in. The Real Driving Emissions (RDE) have all but ensured that Honda will discontinue models like the Jazz, WR-V, fourth-generation City and the Amaze diesel. This means that Honda will have just two models on sale – the fifth-generation City and the Honda Amaze petrol. The gap created by the discontinuation of aforementioned models will need to be filled up by something.
Hence, Honda is counting on the fact that this SUV will not just expand the portfolio but also ring the cash registers at the Japanese carmaker. This SUV is expected to take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and also the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It could also eat some sales from the Skoda-Volkswagen twins of Kushaq and Taigun.
More details on the Honda mid-size SUV
While specific details are not yet revealed, some reports indicate that the car will measure around 4.2-4.3 m in length, and will be underpinned by the new version of the platform that is used in the Honda Amaze in India. Design details are not yet available as Honda has been very careful in keeping the car under the wraps. No test mules – either camouflaged or not have ever been spotted.
Coming to the exteriors, we can expect this new SUV to get a large hexagonal grille with wrap-around headlamps. Further, being specific to the Indian market, there will be generous applications of chrome as well.
On the inside, it could come with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen as seen in the new Accord and the CR-V SUV in international markets. Along with it, there will also be a 10.2-inch fully digital driver information display.
Higher variants of the SUV could also come with ADAS features. Honda recently debuted Honda Sensing on the hybrid Honda City in India. The same system could be used in this SUV as well.
Powertrain of the Honda mid-size SUV
While it is too early to tell, we can expect the same engine options as the fifth-gen Honda City. These include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre strong hybrid engine. In terms of gearbox options, we could see the 6-speed manual and a CVT for the non-hybrid engine and an eCVT for the hybrid version.
Also Read – Hyundai Creta coming to India in facelift avatar by mid-2023.
