Honda has once again teased a new 5-seater SUV concept that it will be unveiling at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) next month. This upcoming 5-seat SUV is speculated to share its underpinnings with the City and the recently unveiled Honda BR-V 7-seat SUV, although it will be shorter than the latter. Just like the BR-V, the new SUV will most likely see a market introduction in Indonesia first, followed by other markets in the future.
- SUV concept to preview Honda’s future Creta rival
- Expected to share underpinnings, powertrain with the BR-V, City
- Honda is also working on an India focused SUV
Upcoming Honda 5-seater SUV: what to expect?
Honda’s latest teaser of the upcoming 5-seater SUV does not reveal much and only previews the rear quarter of the SUV. Previous teasers have revealed a few other details such as a pair of sleek LED headlamps with stylish LED light signatures, a well-sculpted bonnet, a drooping nose much like the Honda City and flared wheel arches. The overall design looks very similar to the BR-V, although the roofline is more tapering towards the rear, giving it a coupe-like profile, which is again similar to the recently unveiled HR-V. There's also a prominent kink in the window line past the C-pillar which gives it a floating roof appearance.
Given that the upcoming SUV will be based on the BR-V, the two SUVs could be sharing a lot of body panels between them, but the overall design is expected to be somewhat unique. In terms of overall size, the upcoming Honda SUV, according to sources, is expected to measure near about 4.1-4.2 meters in length, which means it will be sized similarly to the updated Hyundai Creta that will also be showcased in Indonesia soon. It is also expected to share much of its interior design, trim and features with the larger BR-V, which is again incidentally very similar to the Honda Amaze that’s sold in India.
In terms of engine options, the upcoming SUV is likely to borrow the 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated i-VTEC petrol engine from the BR-V as well. This engine produces 121hp and 145Nm of peak torque. Gearbox choices could include a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic. In fact, this powertrain is the same as that offered with the Honda City in India. There are also talks of it receiving the 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid engine with Honda's e:HEV technology that will also be seen on the upcoming City Hybrid in India.
Honda's midsize SUV for India: what do we know so far?
Interestingly, Honda had previously confirmed that the brand is working on an all-new SUV that will be specific to India. Although details about Honda’s India-focused SUV are still scarce, we do know that it will be underpinned by the same platform as the Honda City.
As we have reported previously, the SUV is expected to be about 4.2 meters in length, which means it will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun. Honda was reportedly also working on a sub-4m SUV for India to take on the likes of the Venue and Sonet, but later scrapped its plans as the segment is currently overcrowded and it would have its work cut out against well-entrenched rivals.
Instead, a midsize SUV made much better sense for Honda as this segment is much less crowded. As it will be based on the City platform, Honda will also have an advantage of localisation and economies of scale that comes with platform sharing. The 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines are also expected to be carried over from the City. As is the trend with midsize SUVs, the Honda SUV could have two versions, with two-row and three-row seating layouts. The Honda SUV, then, could even rival the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Hyundai Alcazar.
Interestingly, the upcoming 5-seater SUV concept that will be shown at the GIIAS 2021 in Indonesia seems to have most of the ingredients to be the midsize SUV for India. However, it is not yet known whether it will be the same vehicle that will come to India in the future.
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