Honda is planning a SUV blitz for the Indian market after tasting success with the WR-V hatchback-based crossover. For many months, the Honda WR-V was one of the brand’s top selling car. It’s a crossover based on the Honda Jazz. The success of the WR-V has whetted Honda’s appetite for launching more SUVs in multiple segments, and the recently launched Amaze will be the base for another sub-4 meter compact SUV offering from the Japanese automaker. The GSP platform of the Honda Amaze will be used for the new, sub-4 meter compact SUV that will challenge the likes of the Maruti Brezza, the Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon.
Although the WR-V is also priced and positioned similarly, the crossover is more of a raised hatchback with butch styling than a true-blue compact SUV. Honda is said to have started feasibility studies for the new SUV. An exact timeline for its launch is yet to be available. Don’t expect the SUV to arrive anytime before 2020 though. Apart from the sub-4 meter offering, Honda will also launch an SUV in the compact SUV segment where the Hyundai Creta operates. The facelifted Honda HR-V/Vezel is said to be the SUV that has been earmarked for this segment. An India launch in late 2019 for the Honda HR-V/Vezel is likely.
The GSP platform of the Honda Amaze supports two engine options currently – the 1.2 litre i-VTEC petrol with about 88 Bhp-110 Nm and a 1.5 litre i-DTEC turbocharged diesel engine with 98.6 Bhp-200 Nm. These engines get 5/6 speed manual gearboxes as standard, and CVT automatic gearbox options. Similar powertrain options are likely for the sub-4 meter compact SUV as well. However, Honda is also likely to consider hybrid/electric options or at least keep the vehicle ready for such options in the future. Honda’s next big launch in the SUV space will be the 7-seater version of the 4th generation CR-V luxury SUV, which for the first time in India will be launched with petrol and diesel engine options. The CR-V will be launched in October this year.
Via LiveMint
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