Japanese automaker, Honda has announced to showcase a wide range of new cars and SUVs at the 2022 GIIAS (Gaikindo Indonesian International Auto Show). The company will showcase a brand-new SUV, which will be the production of the RS SUV Concept, at the auto event. Rumoured to be called the next-gen Honda WR-V, the new model is expected to be unveiled on August 11-12, 2022.
The production version of the Honda RS SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Toyota Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky. These models measure around 4.1 meters in Indonesia. The new WR-V is expected to measure around 4.1-4.2 meters in length and will share the components with the City & the Amaze.
Ahead of the official reveal, the new Honda WR-V has been leaked in the production avatar. The production version of the SUV looks largely identical to the concept; however, Honda has made some changes. The new model has traditional Honda design language with a crossover-ish styling, featuring a tapering roofline and angular tailgate to offer a Coupe SUV like profile.
The front fascia has sleek LED wraparound headlamps, rectangular shaped grille with chrome treatment and a chrome bar that runs above the grille and merges well with the stylish headlamp unit. The lower bumper has wider air-dam with hexagonal pattern and LED fog lamps on either sides. The spotted model had the RS badge on the front grille. It gets a faux skid plate to offer a rugged SUV look.
The rear has slim LED tail-lights and raked rear tailgate design. The concept had a light bar connecting the tail-lights, which is now missing in the production model. It has a more traditional wraparound tail-lights. The vehicle has a roof-mounted spoiler, shark fin antenna, dual-tone lower bumper and faux silver skid plate. The concept had 18-inch matte black finished alloy wheels; however, the production model is likely to come with 17-inch alloys.
The new Honda compact SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 121PS and 145Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
The new Honda compact SUV is also expected to make India debut in 2023. It will rival the likes of the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and the Mahindra XUV300. It is likely to share the engine options with the City sedan, which includes a 1.5L petrol and a 1.5L diesel. Honda could also add a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine with manual and CVT automatic gearbox.
