Compact SUVs demand rises, Honda to launch sub 4 meter SUV

Noting a shift in buyer preferences towards compact SUVs and crossovers, Honda is planning to launch a new sub 4 meter SUV soon. This new SUV will be based on the new generation Brio platform, allowing Honda to keep prices affordable.

To be sold in 7 seater format, unconfirmed reports reveal that it is currently being developed at company’s R&D facility in Thailand.

Expected to be launched by 2019, this new SUV is expected to be on sale in countries of Asia, South America and Europe. To be offered in a range of petrol and diesel engine options, new Honda SUV will compete with the likes of Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza, upcoming Tata Nexon, etc. This new SUV will sit below the HR-V (Vezel) in the company portfolio.

Petrol engine is expected to be in the form of Brio’s 1.2 liter mill generating 88 PS power while diesel engine will be in the form of Honda’s 1.5 liter iDTEC generating 100 PS. Transmission options will be on offer include manual as well as automatic. In India, the new compact SUV will most likely be offered with a FWD configuration.

Honda Car India sales have been on the decline since the past few months. The company has plans to launch new cars over the next 2-3 years to increase sales. At least six new cars will be launched by 2018. These are Honda Accord, Civic, new Brio, new City, new CR-V diesel and new Amaze.

This article first appeared on Rushlane.com