We informed you earlier that Honda is readying an all-new sub-4 meter SUV, which will be positioned against the Toyota Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky in the Japanese market. According to the Japanese media, the new Honda compact SUV is likely to be unveiled in May 2021.
This model is likely to be designed and developed on the new-gen Fit/Jazz platform. It is rumoured that Honda is also readying a new mid-sized SUV, which will sit between the sub-4 meter SUV and the next-gen HR-V. The next Vezel or HR-V is expected to be based on the brand’s new Global platform. It will grow in size and will measure around 4.4 meters in length. This will give enough space between 4 and 4.4 meters to fit a new mid-sized SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW T-Cross and the Skoda Kamiq. Moreover, the next-gen HR-V will have a coupe-SUV styling.
The upcoming Honda compact SUV is rumoured to be powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged VTEC petrol engine. This engine is capable of producing 121bhp of power at 5,500rpm and 173Nm of torque at 2,000rpm – 4,500rpm. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox or a 6-speed manual gearbox. The sub-4 meter SUV could receive a 1.5-litre engine with two-electric motor hybrid set-up, which is already available in the new-gen Fit hybrid.
It was speculated that Honda will also launch a sub-4 meter SUV in India. However, the India-spec model is rumoured to be based on the new Amaze’s platform. It is expected that the India-spec sub-4 meter SUV will share design cues from the global model. In our market, the compact SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and the Mahindra XUV300.
Honda is also considering the HR-V SUV for the Indian market; however, a new locally developed mid-sized SUV will make more sense. The company has officially announced to launch an all-new City hybrid in the country in early 2021.
