Honda had released the official teaser image of its much-awaited compact SUV in the country in January 2023. The new Honda SUV is scheduled to make its global debut in the second quarter of 2023, while launch is expected in mid 2023 before Diwali. The upcoming Honda SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, VW Taigun & Skoda Kushaq.
Honda has started testing the new SUV in India. This time, the SUV was caught doing high-altitude testing in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The latest spy image has revealed the key design elements. The new Honda SUV features a mesh-type front grille, flanked by LED daytime running lamps. The front fascia seems inspired from the new HR-V on sale in select international markets.
There is a rectangular cutout in camouflage, which hides the larger grille up front. The SUV will have a new bold integrated front grille, a long bonnet and LED headlamps with LED DRLs. The SUV has an upright stance and HR-V like side profile with slightly tapered roofline. Also visible are large glass areas, which should offer more airy feel in the second-row.
The Spotted model has multi-spoke alloy wheels, door-mounted ORVMs and prominent roof rails. Previous spy images also confirm the availability of an electric sunroof. The rear design will have similarities with the new gen WR-V and the HR-V. It gets wrap-around tail-lights with LED elements and halogen turn indicators. It has a sloping roofline with a tailgate mounted spoiler.
The upcoming Honda SUV will also feature a 360 degree camera, Honda’s Lane Watch system to detect blind spots and many more. It is also expected to receive a camera-based advanced driver assistance system or ADAS, which we have already seen on the new City hybrid. The ADAS tech will offer features like collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist. The SUV will also offer six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, VSM, hill launch assist and an electronic parking brake.
It is expected that the new Honda SUV will feature an all-new interior. It is likely to get an all-electronic architecture and screen system that’s offered on the new Accord and CR-V on sale in global markets. The SUV is likely to come with a new 10.2-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-ich touchscreen infotainment system.
Rumoured to be called the Honda Elevate, the new SUV will be offered with two engine options – a 121bhp, 1.5L iVTEC petrol and a 98bhp, 1.5L Atkinson cycle engine with e:HEV hybrid tech with two electric motors.
