New Honda Compact SUV (Ford EcoSport Rival) Debut in 2021
We reported earlier that Honda is working on an all-new sub-4 meter SUV. According to the Japanese Press, the new Honda compact SUV will make global debut in 2021 (around May 2021). The new model will take on the likes of the Toyota Raize and Suzuki Jimny Sierra in the domestic market.
It is expected that the compact SUV will also arrive in the Indian market sometime in 2021-22. The details about the platform are yet to be revealed, but it is likely to use the new Amaze platform. The new platform is claimed to be stronger and lighter, and is versatile enough to accommodate different body styles and engines.
In the Japanese market, the new Honda compact SUV is likely to be offered with 2 engine options – a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5L petrol with 2-motor hybrid system. The turbocharged petrol engine is capable of producing 129PS of power and 180Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic versions are likely to be on offer. The hybrid system is currently offered with the new-gen Jazz/Fit hatchback.
The report also gives detail about the dimensions of the Honda compact SUV. It is likely to measure 3,990mm in length, 1,695mm in width and 1,600mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,550mm. In the Indian market, the sub-4 meter SUV could share the mechanics with the new generation Honda City sedan. Honda could also bring the 1.0L turbo petrol engine in India. The new Honda compact SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza and upcoming SUVs including Renault HBC, Nissan compact SUV and the Kia Sonet.
