The long-awaited new Honda HR-V (New Vezel) will make global debut on 18th February 2021. The company is also readying a new compact SUV, which will be positioned below the HR-V. It was reportedly to be introduced by May 2021; however, a new media report claims that the new model will be introduced by June 2022. The new model is expected to be introduced in India by the end of this year or early next year.
Rumoured to be called the Honda ZR-V, the new compact SUV will be positioned against the Toyota Raize, Daihatsu Rocky and the Suzuki Crosby in Japan. The small SUV will also be launched in India to rival the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and the Mahindra XUV300.
The report claims that the Japanese-spec model will measure around 4,100mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,600mm tall. However, the India-spec model will be positioned under 4 meters in length. The new model is expected to be based on the new Amaze’s platform. Few reports suggest that the new Jazz platform could be used to develop the new SUV; however, this will make it expensive for the price sensitive markets like India and Indonesia.
The new Honda ZR-V is reportedly to be powered by a new 1.0-litre VTEC turbocharged petrol engine that also powers the 5th generation City in Thailand and Civic in Europe. This engine is capable of producing 129PS of power and 180Nm of torque. The City’s unit offers 121bhp and 180Nm of torque. Both manual and CVT automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
It is also rumoured to feature a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with Honda’s compact hybrid system (e-HEV). This hybrid system is also available with the international-spec new-gen Jazz hatchback. It will also be offered with the India-spec City RS Hybrid, which is scheduled to be launched in 2021.
