Honda had showcased the new RS SUV concept at the 2021 GIIAS (Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show). We informed you earlier that the production version of the SUV will make its global debut at the 2022 GIIAS in August. The new model is rumoured to be called the next-gen Honda WR-V; however, Honda is yet to make an official announcement on the same.
Indonesian media reports that the production version of the Honda RS SUV will be positioned against the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Sonet. For people not in the know, the Indonesian spec Kia Sonet measures over 4.1 meters in length. The new Honda compact SUV is reportedly to measure around 4.2 meters in length.
Honda Compact SUV Design
Ahead of the official reveal in August, clear front and rear pictures of the production-ready Honda compact SUV have hit the web world. The production version of the SUV looks quite similar to the concept; however, Honda has made several changes to make it road legal. It features a traditional Honda design language with a crossover-ish styling. The tapering roofline and angular tailgate design give it a Coupe SUV like profile.
The front fascia of the new compact SUV features the traditional Honda styling. It comes with sleek LED wraparound headlamps, rectangular shaped grille with chrome treatment and a chrome bar that runs above the grille and merges well with the stylish headlamp unit. The lower bumper has wider air-dam with hexagonal pattern and LED fog lamps on either sides.
The RS badge is visible on the front grille, which suggests that it is a top-spec model. The lower bumper also has faux silver skid plate. At the back, the SUV gets slim LED tail-lights and raked rear tailgate design. The concept had a light bar connecting the tail-lights; however, the production model comes with traditional wraparound tail-lights. It gets a roof-mounted spoiler with brake lights and shark fin antenna. The lower bumper has dual-tone theme with black plastic cladding and faux silver skid plate.
The concept model was equipped with large 18-inch matte black finished alloy wheels; however, the production version is likely to get 17-inch alloys. The SUV has usable roof rails, and flared wheel arches with black plastic cladding.
Honda Compact SUV specs
The new Honda SUV is reportedly to be based on the Amaze platform, which is very similar to the City’s platform. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that also powers the City sedan. The SUV is also expected to get an Atkinson Cycle 1.5L 4-cylinder engine coupled to two electric motor. The petrol engine produces 98bhp and 127Nm, while the electric motor offers 109bhp and 253Nm from 0 rpm. The combined usable power and torque stands at 126bhp and 253Nm. Similar to the City hybrid, the RS SUV hybrid could feature a single, fixed gear ratio and offers 3 drive modes – Petrol Only, Electric and Hybrid.
