We informed you earlier that Honda will discontinue the Jazz, 4th gen City, WR-V and the diesel Amaze from our market by April 2023. The company will continue to sell the City and the Amaze petrol in our market. However, the Japanese brand is now looking to expand its product line-up by introducing an all-new Honda midsize SUV in the country in 2023.
A new report claims that Honda midsize SUV is expected to make its debut around mid-2023. The new SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The new model is likely to be launched during the festive season, before Diwali 2023.
The new Honda SUV will be based on an updated version of the platform that underpins the Amaze sedan in India. It will measure around 4.2-4.3 metres in length. It is likely to share styling cues from the global Honda SUVs including the new-gen WRV, and the new CR-V and BR-V 3-row SUV. In terms of design, the new SUV could get a larger, hexagonal grille and wraparound LED headlamps with DRLs. It will have an upright stance with a tall nose and clean lines all around the body.
Inside the cabin, the upcoming Honda midsize SUV will feature an all-new electronic architecture and screen system that’s offered on the new Accord & CR-V sold overseas. It is likely to get a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument console and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. The top-spec variants are likely to get Honda’s ADAS tech with features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and others.
The new Honda midsize SUV will be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre strong hybrid petrol engine. These powertrains are currently offered on the fifth generation City sedan. The naturally-aspirated petrol engine is capable of producing 121bhp and 145Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6MT & a CVT.
The strong hybrid model is likely to get an Atkinson Cycle 1.5L, 4-cylinder petrol engine with two elecric motors. The gasoline unit produces a peak power of 98bhp and with electric assistance it makes 109bhp. Its combined torque output stands at 253Nm. Similar to the City e:HEV, the Honda SUV hybrid is likely to come with a single, fixed-gear ratio and three drive modes – Engine, EV and Hybrid.
Source – AutoCarIndia
