Japanese automaker, Honda has unveiled the much-awaited new-gen BR-V 7-seater SUV, which is scheduled to be released in Indonesia in early 2022. The new Honda BR-V is based on the all-new platform, which will also underpin the future Honda SUVs. This platform is claimed to offer toughness of an SUV and the comfort of an MPV.
What’s interesting is that Honda is planning to introduce a new compact SUV based on this latest generation platform. The report claims that the new SUV could be a BR-V with 5-seats. The virtual launch video of the BR-V also reveals a mysterious car covered in red camouflage.
The mysterious car appears at the end of the video could be the Honda small SUV, which could be unveiled at the 2021 GIIAS (Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show). This show was scheduled in August 2021; however, it has been postponed to November 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The report claims that the new Honda small SUV will be a competitor to Raize, Rocky, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger. The camouflaged car has a pair of roof rails, which suggests that it could be a crossover/SUV. It is most likely to be the 5-seater BR-V, which will be shorter and is expected to share many parts such as the A-pillar, dashboard, hood and doors with the 7-seater model.
Honda could follow the City and Civic strategies, both of which have a longer sedan version and a shorter hatchback. It is expected that Honda could unveil the concept version of the SUV at the 2021 GIIAS. The concept could be called the N5X, similar to the N7X concept. The new small SUV is expected to be introduced in 2022.
It is quite early to comment on the engine specifications of the new model. It is likely to use the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Thai-spec City sedan. Honda could also use the 1.2L NA petrol or the 1.5L 4-cylinder NA petrol engine to power the new Honda compact SUV.
