The compact SUV segment is currently led by Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and premium compact SUV segment by Hyundai Creta. Even though Honda has WR-V at the entry level end which is basically a re-designed Jazz and it is doing well but it is not able to take on segment leader Brezza and same for BR-V which is doing very low numbers against Creta.
According to a report on Autocar India, the Japanese manufacturer is developing two new SUV models for India. The sub four metre model will take on Vitara Brezza and the 4.3-metre model is going to compete against Creta. Both these models will be based on new 2UA platform which debuted with second generation Amaze.
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The new 2AU platform can accommodate bigger wheels which is a must for SUVs. The upcoming compact SUV design will be inline with bigger SUV models as the front will be upright to give a muscular look. The new platform is also much cheaper than the current platform of WR-V and this will help Honda to price this model competitively. Eventually the compact SUV will replace WR-V in Honda’s lineup.
The engine lineup for compact SUV is 1.2 L i-VTEC and new 1.5 L i-DTEC engine which will meet Bharat VI emission norms. The new diesel engine will debut in the next generation of City. Honda can also use 1.6 L i-DTEC engine from Civic and CR-V. Honda will launch Creta rival in 2020 and the compact SUV in 2021.
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