Honda developing new global platform for future premium cars and it will likely be readied in next three or four years
The Japanese brand seems to be developing a new global platform with huge emphasise put on India. It is expected to nurture premium compact vehicles in the near future. Honda’s COO for Asia and Oceania region, Noriake Abe, stated to TOI that the new platform is due in the next three or four years and as in the development of WR-V, India’s R&D division will have a major influence alongside teams from Japan, Thailand and Brazil HQs.
The mooted premium models are specifically designed for ASEAN and South America countries as well as India. Despite being in the market for several years, Honda is yet to grab hold a sizeable amount of sales while Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai have dominated the scenes. Honda must have kept a close eye on the growth of Renault with Kwid as they focussed on what Indian customers really want.
Also Read: Honda WRV (WR-V) Launched in India; Prices Start from Rs. 7.75 Lakh
In general, for any manufacturer to taste success they have got to have a strong presence in the sub 10 lakh segments and the promising WR-V crossover is Honda’s best answer yet. Honda will be focussing on its biggest strength in the premium segments too as the new-generation CR-V and Civic sedan are expected to arrive in quite a while. Other possible option is the HR-V which could be positioned below the CR-V seven-seater.
Honda will likely continue to stick with Amaze sedan, Jazz and recently facelifted City for maximum volume sales. The WR-V has all the ingredients to join the trio as it comes equipped with best-in-class 25.5 kmpl claimed mileage courtesy of the i-DTEC diesel engine, spacious cabin and good deal of features. It is priced between Rs. 7.75 lakh and Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and targets vehicles like Hyundai i20 Active, Toyota Etios Cross, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport.
Also Read: India-Bound 2017 Honda CR-V Teased Ahead of Launch in Thailand
Source: TOI