Honda will soon be back after shifting its focus from SUVs for a while. According to reports, the Japanese company is working on not just one but two all-new SUVs. These will include a compact SUV that will replace the WR-V and a mid-size SUV. The mid-size SUV will take on Seltos and Creta.
The upcoming SUVs for India will use the Amaze as their base platform. Earlier reports indicated Honda might use the City’s platform for the mid-size SUV. However, new reports suggest that it will instead use an updated version of the Amaze’s platform for both. The compact SUV is known as PF2 internally, while the mid-size SUV, PF2S. The platform shares many similarities with the fifth-generation Honda City.
The design and engineering of the SUVs will be shared partly between India and Japan. Such an arrangement will enable Honda to have more engineering possibilities. Furthermore, this will also happen without a steep increase in the price.
The Honda Compact SUV will most likely arrive around in the middle of 2023. According to sources, the design of the compact SUV is not finalised yet. Additionally, there’s good progress when it comes to engineering work. When the model arrives, it will take on the likes of the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza and the Kia Sonet. Getting the design elements right is crucial for Honda. The BR-V in India didn’t sell well in India. One of the reasons was its looks. The swooping rooflines and low bonnets from the BR-V will need to go. In its place, Honda needs to bring a more muscular and SUV-ish looking design to attract the Indian audience.
Engine options could include the same 1.5-litre diesel engine in Honda’s current lineup. In addition to this, the 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine could also get a hybrid boost. If Honda decides to forsake the sub-4m excise rule, it could offer the 1.5-litre petrol from the Honda City.
Also in the pipeline is the bigger mid-size SUV, 3RA. The model will expectedly make its market debut around early 2024. The mid-size SUV will be roughly 4.3 m long and use Honda’s new electronic architecture and screen system. Additionally, the mid-size SUV will also share its petrol, diesel and a hybrid powertrain with the Honda City. Having a diesel engine option is crucial. Reports say, over 50 per cent of buyers in the segment still choose the diesel engine.
It remains to be seen if the company offers it with a localised version of the hybrid powertrain. The hybrid engine could be a very efficient option in the segment. However, like in Honda City, a hybrid powertrain will impact the boot space. Sources also say Honda might be evaluating a three-row version of the SUV. The internal estimates for sales are lower than that of the compact SUV. Projections point at a sales figure of 4,100 units a month for the mid-size SUV.
Also Read: Honda City petrol & diesel variant equipment list updated