Japanese automaker, Honda is preparing two new SUVs for the Indian market. The company will introduce an unprecedented compact SUV based on the Amaze sedan platform in our market in 2023. This will be the brand’s global market and will be launched in select markets where HR-V is not offered. The new Honda SUV is scheduled to be launched by mid-2023, before festive season.
Details about the project are kept secret, as it hasn’t been spotted testing yet in India or any other country. In the Indian market, the new Honda SUV will directly rival Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun and MG Astor. It will also receive a strong hybrid powertrain and this hybrid model will rival the Toyota Urban Hyryder and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. These two models are also available with a strong hybrid powertrain.
Honda is currently selling the WR-V in the compact crossover segment; however, it is set to be discontinued by April 2023 on the arrival of new real driving emission (RDE) norms. Honda will follow Hyundai’s strategy, which sells Creta 5-seater and the Alcazar 7-seater SUVs in our market. It is expected that the new Honda SUV will come with two seating layout – one with 5 and the other with 7-seats. The 5-seater model will measure around 4.3 meters in length.
The new hybrid SUV is reportedly to be called the Honda “Elevate”, as this name was registered by the company in India in 2021. The new model will share the engine options with the fifth-gen City sedan on sale in our market. There will be no diesel engine, as Honda’s 1.5L i-DTEC engine won’t be upgraded to meet the stricter RDE norms. It will be offered with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC NA petrol engine with manual and CVT automatic gearbox.
Similar to the Grand Vitara and the Hyryder, the Honda SUV will receive the brand’s patented 1.5L Atkinson cycle engine with e:HEV hybrid tech. This engine currently powers the City sedan in our market. It will come with two electric motors. The gasoline unit produces a peak power of 98bhp and with electric assistance it makes 109bhp. Its combined torque output stands at 253Nm. It will come with a single, fixed-gear ratio with three drive modes – Engine, EV and Hybrid.
The big changes will be made inside the cabin. The interior will feature an all-new electronic architecture and screen system that’s offered on the new Accord & CR-V sold overseas. It could get a 10.2-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Moreover, the Hybrid SUV will also receive ADAS tech with features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and others.
