Honda Cars India currently sells petrol/hybrid City sedan and Amaze compact sedan in India. The carmaker will soon discontinue the Jazz, WR-V and Amaze diesel models. In August 2022, the Japanese automaker confirmed two new mass-market Honda SUVs that will designed especially for the Indian market. While one of them will challenge the sub-4 meter Brezza, Venue and Sonet, the other one will take on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the newly-launched Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyrder. Here’re 6 important details of the new mid-size Honda SUV that we know so far.
Platform
The upcoming new Honda SUV will be sharing its platform with the Amaze compact sedan. Though, the carmaker will update the architecture for the new model. Its length is likely to be around 4.2 – 4.3 metres, thus making it as big as the Hyundai Creta.
Exterior Design
Design details of the model are not available as of now. However, the SUV is likely to carry the brand’s global design language as we have seen in the new-generation WR-V, CR-V and BR-V. Upfront, it might feature a large, hexagonal grille, wraparound headlamps and a tall nose. The model will be India-specific, so we can expect it to get lots of chrome treatment.
ADAS & More
Interior layout could be similar to the new Accord and CR-V that’s retailed in global markets. It might come with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the latest smartphone connectivity, a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster and Honda Sensing technology. Honda Sensing tech offers several active and passive safety features such as lane keeping assist, lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam assist, front collision warning system and emergency braking. Though, it could be exclusively offered on the higher trims.
Strong Hybrid
Engine setup of the new Honda SUV might include a 1.5L strong hybrid petrol and a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol unit. The former will be borrowed from the City e-HEV. It has Honda’s i-MMD hybrid technology that delivers a claimed power of 98bhp and 127Nm of torque. Transmission choices might include a 5-speed manual, a CVT and an e-drive (strong hybrid only).
Launch Timeline
Honda’s Creta rival SUV is reported to hit showrooms in mid 2023. The carmaker might unveil the model a month before its market launch.
Expected Price
The carmaker is likely to achieve high levels of localization for its new SUV and bring it at competitive price. Its prices are expected to start around Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).
