Japanese automaker, Honda is working on a new compact SUV for the growing markets. It is reported that the concept version of the SUV will first appear at the 2021 GIIAS in November 2021. In fact, Honda shown the vehicle covered in red cloth at the unveil event of the new BR-V 7-seater SUV in Indonesia.
Japanese media reports that the Honda sub-compact SUV will be presented in June 2022. The report claims that the new small SUV will be the latest Honda model to be equipped with the 1L VTEC turbo. The report claims that the new small SUV will measure around 4,100mm in length, 1,695mm in width and 1,600mm in height. In the global markets, the new SUV will slot below the new HR-V.
The new compact SUV will be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that also powers the European Civic and the Thai-spec City sedan. This engine is capable of producing 129PS of power and 180Nm of torque. The vehicle could also get a hybrid powertrain- the same 1.5L 2-motor e:HEV unit that powers the City hybrid and the Fit/Jazz.
The new SUV is likely to be based on the latest generation Honda platform, which also underpins the new BR-V. Indonesia media reports that the latest SUV could be the 5-seater derivative of the BR-V; however, it will be compact in size. The SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Toyota Raize, Daihatsu Rocky, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger.
India Launch?
It is quite early to comment whether the new BR-V or the sub-compact SUV will arrive in our market. The company is reportedly developing a new mid-sized SUV for the Indian market, which is reportedly to be launched by 2023. We believe that the new compact SUV could be a good option for the Japanese brand, as it currently do not have any SUV in our market.
