Honda will finally enter the hotly contested midsize SUV space with a new model that is all set to make its global debut in the coming months. We were the first to bring you the spy photos of Honda’s made-for-India Creta rival, and now, we are bringing you five key things to know about the carmaker’s most important model for India in years.
1. This is not Honda’s first Creta rival
Honda did try its luck in the midsize SUV space with the BR-V. Launched within a year of the first-gen Creta going on sale here, the BR-V was the only car in the segment with three-row seating. However, the BR-V saw limited success owing to its MPV-like stance, with build quality and equipment also falling short of its rivals. A few years back, Honda also seriously considered launching the HR-V, which would have been their second shot in the segment, but the plan was eventually dropped. This SUV, however, going by the spy shots and according to insiders, is Honda’s most serious attempt at the midsize SUV space yet.
2. Honda SUV shares styling cues with new CR-V, WR-V
The new Honda SUV will share styling cues with the sixth-generation CR-V, and the new-gen Honda WR-V, which was revealed late last year. From the spy shots, one can make out a flat nose with a large Honda logo in centre, and sharp looking LED headlights, which look similar to the new CR-V. From the back, it gets tail-lights that look similar to the new-gen WR-V. Other key design highlights include muscular wheel arches, a prominent kink in the rear window and multi-spoke alloys. As far as the dimensions go, the new Honda SUV will measure 4.2-4.3 metres in length.
3. Honda SUV will share platform, powertrains with City
The new Honda midsize SUV will be based on the fifth-gen City’s platform, and will also share the petrol powertrain with the sedan. This means, the new Honda SUV will be powered by the 121hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and be paired to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT. A turbo-petrol and strong hybrid could come at a later stage, but there will be no diesel.
4. Honda SUV likely won’t use an acronym for name
Honda’s crossovers and SUVs in India have always had an acronym for their names – CR-V, BR-V and the WR-V. This time around, it is likely that the new Honda SUV will have a name like the Jazz, Amaze and City. Honda already has names, and not acronyms for some of its SUVs like the Pilot and Passport that are on sale internationally. The HR-V, too, is sold as the ‘Vezel’ in some markets.
5. Honda SUV will go on sale in mid 2023
Honda has confirmed that the new SUV will go on sale in mid 2023. It will see a global debut in the coming months and will first go on sale in India. We expect it to be priced at a slight premium over its rivals between Rs 12 lakh-19 lakh. Heavy localisation will help Honda price the new SUV competitively, but the carmaker is also likely to maintain a small gap over its rivals for the sake of positioning.
Honda to launch a new car every year from 2023
Honda recently announced that it will add a new model to its portfolio every year starting from 2023. The carmaker also said that it will focus more on the premium end of the market. To reinforce the Honda brand in India, the carmaker is yet again looking at bringing in premium models through either CKD or CBU routes.
Image credits - Mohak Bachwani
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