The Japanese multinational automaker Honda Honda Motor Co., Ltd’s Indian subsidiary has been struggling to survive in India for quite some time now. And many have pointed this struggle to the lack of an SUV in its portfolio in the country. It’s not like the company does not produce an SUV internationally, it’s just the fact that for some reason they have not brought in a decent compact or sub-compact SUV here. However, on the brighter side, it has now been reported that the company is planning to finally debut a compact SUV in India and it could come as soon as April 2023.
According to a recent report from Autocar India, the company could be launching a new subcompact SUV based on its compact sedan Amaze platform. Once launched this new SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun. It will also be taking on the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder as well. Reportedly Honda will heavily localize production to enter the market with a highly competitive price to have an edge over the competition.
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In terms of the design language of this forthcoming SUV we can expect a slightly aggressive yet classy design similar to the newly revealed Honda lineup of SUVs from the international markets. Honda could make this a baby version of the new CR-V – the design of which was revealed in May of this year. From the rendered pictures of the 2023 CRV, we can deduce that the upcoming compact SUV could come with sharp body lines and a butch proportions it could also get more black highlights than chrome. In the front it could come with sleek LED headlamps, mesh grille with black accents vents and a slightly aggressive front bumper.
As of yet there is also no information available for the interior design of this upcoming SUV although sources have claimed that it could also borrow the layout and tech from the 2023 Honda CR-V or Accord as well. Reportedly it could come with a new 12.3-inch free-standing touch display which will be the highlight vehicle’s interior. It could also get a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster as well. We can further expect all the creature comforts and features of the modern day to be a part of the long list that will be offered in the forthcoming SUV.
In terms of powertrain this new utility vehicle could come equipped with a similar hybrid system that made its debut on the new Honda City e:HEV. Currently, the system in the City uses two electric motors, a battery, and a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The hybrid system produces around 126PS and 253Nm of torque in the City which is comparable to a turbocharged petrol engine but far more efficient. Honda in terms of pricing could be offering the new SUV at a competitive price and it could cost somewhere in the vicinity of Rs 11 lakh-Rs 18 lakh.
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