The upcoming Honda SUV will share engine options with the City and could borrow several styling cues from the latest HR-V
The mid-size SUV segment of the Indian car market has seen exponential growth in the last few years. In the past, Honda Cars India tried to end Hyundai Creta’s market dominance with the BR-V. However, there was little demand for the Mobilio-based model and it was ultimately pulled off the shelves. Now, though, the carmaker is close to launching a new compact SUV tailor-made for India. The SUV was recently spied during a test run. It has also been revealed that this upcoming Honda SUV, which will go on to lock horns with the Hyundai Creta and Skoda Kushaq, will launch around the middle of the ongoing calendar year.
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Honda Confirms Launch of Hyundai Creta Rival in Mid-2023
Addressing media recently, Kunal Behl, vice-president, marketing and sales, for Honda Cars India, said, “We are launching the new SUV (sport utility vehicle) in mid 2023… we plan to launch at least one new car every year…So overall things are getting much stronger. It is a strong message to customers that India is a very important market for Honda Cars India. India is a growth story… It is the third largest player in the world. It makes no sense to exit this market,”
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As seen in the spy shot here, the upcoming Honda SUV has a pretty bold stance. Though the aesthetics have been neatly covered under the camouflage, the overall form factor is quite understandable. The camouflage could hide a large grille at the front which makes the front design of the SUV look similar to the international-spec HR-V. It gets attractive LED headlights and an upright-set bonnet. The high-set hood and a large radiator grille with chunky slats on top do give it a fresh and strong look. Additionally, the rear end looks familiar from the recently introduced WR-V overseas. The test unit gets interesting-looking alloy wheels which give the SUV a sporty look. It is likely to get LED elements along with halogen turn indicators, 360-parking assist and reverse lights.
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Honda Mid-size SUV Specs & Features
This new Honda mid-size SUV is also likely to come with many bells and whistles, including features like a large touchscreen infotainment unit, digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, automatic climate control, leather upholstery seats, rear AC vents and Honda Features like Sensing Safety Suite. Strong reports also suggest that Honda is also working on a new compact SUV which will be sold in the country to take on the rivals like the Maruti Brezza and the Hyundai Venue.
Under the bonnet, it will get the same powertrain options as the City. The standard options will be a 1.5L NA aspirated petrol engine capable of generating 119 Bhp and 145 Nm. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a CVT option. Also on offer will be a strong hybrid engine option. In terms of safety equipment, the new Honda SUV will come with 6 airbags, ADAS, ABS, EBD and all four disc brakes. Prices are expected to start at approx Rs 13 lakh, ex-showroom.
