Honda Cars India recently introduced the Amaze facelift with minor cosmetic and feature upgrades at a starting price of Rs 6.32 lakh (ex-showroom). The Japanese carmaker is now planning to expand its SUV product portfolio in the country. Speaking to a media publication, Rajesh Goel, Senior Vice President and Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Cars India, has revealed that the company is working on an all-new SUV that will be especially designed for the Indian market.
While the details of the new Honda SUV are still under the wraps, it’s reported to be based on the City sedan’s platform. It’s most likely a mid-size SUV to challenge the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun. Internally know as the S-SUV (31XA), the new SUV could be made available with 5-seats and 7-seats configurations. Besides its platform, the engine setup might also be borrowed from the Honda City that comes with 1.5L petrol and diesel motor options. The suspension system and CVT automatic gearbox could be carried forward from its sedan sibling.
The new Honda mid-size SUV might have its world premiere in India and could be launched in other markets too. Its final production version might debut sometime in late 2023. Rumour has it that it could be based on the Honda N7X three-row SUV concept that will debut in its production avatar in November 2021. The 7-seater Honda SUV will be put up against the Hyundai Alcaza, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the newly-launched Mahindra XUV700. Recently, the Japanese automaker trademarked ‘Honda Elevate’ nameplate in India.
If reports are to be believed, Honda Cars India aims to retail nearly 40,000 units of its new SUV on annual basis. The model will be developed with over 90 percent of locally sourced components that hints at the aggressive pricing.
More details on the upcoming all-new Honda mid-size SUV are likely to be revealed in near future. Stay tuned to IndiaCarNews.
