While the upcoming Honda SUV will share engines with the City, its styling could carry hints of the HR-V as well as the new WR-V
The compact SUV segment of the Indian car market has seen a lot of action in recent times. Well, the immense sales volumes of the segment-leader, Hyundai Creta are a reason enough for every other carmaker to try and crack the compact SUV formula. Even Honda Cars India will soon join the fray with an all-new SUV that has already been spied on few occasions. Slated to make its debut in the coming months, the new SUV was recently seen yet again.
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Styling Cues from HR-V and WR-V
As you can see in the spy shots, the upcoming Honda SUV is likely to have a bold stance. Though the design has been neatly covered under heavy camouflage, the silhouette elements are still quite visible. The camouflage, though, could hide a large grille at the front which would make the front-end of the SUV look similar to the HR-V sold abroad. It will even feature LED headlights and a high-set bonnet. The high-set hood and a large radiator grille with chunky slats on top should give it a strong appearance. Additionally, the rear-end might feature a similar look to the new WR-V that has gone on sale overseas. Also, the test unit gets interesting-looking alloy wheels which have a sporty look.
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This new Honda SUV is also likely to boast a long list of bells and whistles including features like a large touchscreen infotainment unit, digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charger, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, automatic climate control, leather upholstery seats and rear AC vents. In terms of safety, the new Honda SUV will likely come with 6 airbags, ADAS safety features, ABS, EBD and disc brakes. Last month, the new generation WR-V achieved a full 5-star safety rating at the ASEAN NCAP.
Honda Compact SUV Launch and Specs
Speaking to media, 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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Under the bonnet, the Hyundai Creta-rival from Honda will get the same powertrain options as the City. The standard option will be that of a 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engine while the costlier option would be that of a strong hybrid setup. The former will be capable of generating 121 PS and 145 Nm, while the latter would offer 126 PS and 253 Nm. Even the transmission options will be carried over from the City – The petrol mill will be sold with a 6-speed manual and a CVT, but the Hybrid option will sport an e-CVT. Reports even suggest that Honda is also working on a sub-compact SUV which will be sold in the country to take on the rivals like the Maruti Brezza and the Hyundai Venue.
