Honda Cars India aims to expand its SUV product portfolio in the next couple of years. The carmaker has already revealed its plan to launch a mid-size SUV and a sub-4 meter SUV to challenge dominance of the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Brezza respectively. Both models will be designed on the Amaze’s platform. According to a fresh media report, Honda’s new mid-size SUV (codenamed – PF2) will hit showrooms by April 2023.
Measuring around 4.2 meters in length, the new Honda SUV is expected to be offered with two powertrain options – a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.5L petrol hybrid. The hybrid setup, which will be borrowed from the City e:HEV sedan, includes an Atkinson Cycle 1.5L gasoline unit paired to two electric motors. It’s claimed to deliver a fuel economy of 16.5kmpl and 1,000km of range. The power and torque outputs stand at 126bhp and 253Nm respectively.
More details on the new Honda SUV are likely to be revealed in coming months. We expect it to come with the both manual and eCVT automatic gearbox options. There will be no diesel engine on offer as the company will stop producing its 1.5L i-DTEC diesel motor in India from February 2023. The carmaker will need a big investment for upgrading its diesel engines to meet the upcoming new RDE (Real Driving Emissions) norms. Read – 2023 Honda City Facelift India Launch Details Out
The upcoming new Honda SUV will have 5-seats configuration and a well-packed cabin offering decent space. The model is likely to be offered with some advanced tech including a new-generation touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, new connected car tech, a digital instrument cluster and more.
As far as prices are concerned, Honda’s mid-size SUV might cost around Rs 16 lakh for the base variant and Rs 18 lakh for the top-end model (ex-showroom). In its segment, the model will take directly on the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Kia Seltos.
