A new media report claims that Honda is planning to discontinue the Jazz, WR-V and the 4th gen City sedan by March 2023. While Jazz and 4th Gen City will be discontinued by December 2022, the WR-V will remain on sale by March. It is reported that MSIL will launch the new compact SUV, codenamed 3US/31XA in 2023.
Production of the new Honda compact SUV is reportedly to be commenced in August 2023. The company aims to produce around 40,000 models in the first year. Previous reports claim that Honda is developing two new SUVs – a sub-4 meter and a compact SUV. While the former will be positioned against the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and the Tata Nexon, the compact SUV will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos.
It is reported that Honda will first launch the new sub-4 meter SUV in 2023. On the other hand, the compact SUV will arrive in 2024. The new SUVs will be based on the new Honda Amaze’s platform, which has similarities with the City’s platform. It is a versatile platform that is compatible to accommodate different body styles and engine options.
The new Honda compact SUV is likely to be offered with multiple engine options. The SUV is expected to come with the in-house developed 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine that powers the Amaze, City and the Jazz/WR-V. The diesel option will give the new SUV a competitive advantage over competition, as Maruti, Toyota, Nissan and Renault have already decided to completely cease diesel production in India.
It is expected to be offered with a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 90bhp of power and 110Nm of torque. This engine could also get a hybrid support. The Japanese automaker could use mild hybrid tech or a strong hybrid tech for the new SUV. The SUV could also get the 1.5-litre NA petrol engine that powers the City sedan. This engine is capable of producing 118bhp and 145Nm of torque. Both manual and CVT automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
Source – AutoCarIndia
