Honda midsize SUV for India is expected to be launched in late 2023 after making its local debut by the middle of the year
Honda Cars India is currently developing an all-new midsize SUV for India and is expected to be unveiled by the middle of next year before reaching showrooms in late 2023. The more stringent emission standards coming into effect in April will lead to Honda discontinuing its products such as the Jazz premium hatch and WR-V compact crossover.
The list will also include diesel variants of the Amaze and City while the long-serving fourth-generation City will also be shelved leaving just Amaze petrol, City petrol and City petrol hybrid on sale. The upcoming midsize SUV, therefore, holds plenty of significance for the Japanese auto major as it will step in to garner high volume sales.
It will take on Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Expected to have an overall length of around 4.3 metres, it will likely take design inspiration from the new generation WR-V, the production version of the RS SUV concept, which made its global debut only a few months ago.
As one would expect, it will derive power from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated i-VTEC petrol engine developing a maximum power output of around 121 hp. The 1.5-litre strong hybrid petrol unit found in the fifth-gen City is also expected to be on offer and it will enable high mileage characteristics. Expect the e:HEV variant to be heavily localised.
The transmission options will likely include a five-speed manual and a CVT. The Honda five-seater midsize SUV will be underpinned by the modified version of the Amaze’s platform. The interior could be a radical departure compared to the existing models on sale as a new electronic architecture and screen system found in global models are likely.
An all-digital instrument console, a large touchscreen infotainment system, a sunroof, a wireless charging facility, a layered dashboard, etc could be made available. Honda could introduce its Sensing suite of driver-assistive and safety features to take the fight to the competition in the toughly contested segment.