[TusharK]

The market for crossovers in India is booming. Today, almost all top brands have a product catering to the specific needs of the typical crossover buyer. However, Honda still doesn't have a true crossover in its India line-up and this is the segment where the growth and profits lie.



Honda seems to have realized this and is said to be working on a new compact SUV for the Indian market. It could be launched in 2022 or 2023.

The new sub-4 meter SUV is expected to be aimed at the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue and the likes. Little is known about the design of the new model. However, we have been told that it could get a continuous strip of LED tail lights stretching across the rear.

The new crossover from Honda shouldn't be confused with the HR-V that has been in the news in the recent past. Honda is still not sure about bringing the HR-V to India.

Thanks to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this page!

[JithinR]

Originally Posted by TusharK

Honda seems to have realized this and is said to be working on a new compact SUV for the Indian market. It could be launched in 2022 or 2023.

I guess Honda India has learnt the art of 'Inemuri' from their Japanese counterparts. But it seems the poor Japs forgot to explain that the slumber comes after the hard work. How else can you explain a major manufacturer 'realizing' that they need a competent C-SUV in 2021.

Originally Posted by TusharK

However, we have been told that it could get a continuous strip of LED tail lights stretching across the rear.

"continuous strip of LED tail lights stretching across the rear" - I can get this crap done at JC Road in Bengaluru. All they need to tell us is that they will get the 1.5 iVtec + CVT and 1.5L Diesel + CVT at launch itself (they already have these configurations running in India) and borrow some cues from the latest City on how to style an interior.

[Shreyans_Jain]

I’d like to think this new vehicle will be built on the Amaze platform which is as tinny as they come, right up there with the Marutis of the world. The 1.2 iVTEC is decades old and well past its sell by date. It stands nowhere in front of the modern turbocharged competition. Their Diesel engine is also rather lame against Tata, Hyundai and Ford powertrains. Honda anyway loves to overprice and underequip it’s cars. And their service and maintenance costs are skyrocketing in general.

Honda needs to be very careful and play this smartly. It is going into a hugely competitive segment with some very good options. A low on power compact SUV with a light build and poor equipment levels will die without a trace against the likes of Venue, Ecosport, Sonet and Nexon. This car is pretty much make or break for an otherwise dying brand. They better throw their kitchen sink at it.

[sarathlal]

Originally Posted by TusharK

Honda seems to have realized this and is said to be working on a new compact SUV for the Indian market. It could be launched in 2022 or 2023.

The new sub-4 meter SUV

Isn't this the vision XS concept they were planning sine 2014?
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...act-suv-4.html (Honda to develop Brio-based compact SUV)

Having completely scrapped Brio platform based models, hard to believe Honda is planning such a vehicle to be launched in 2023! They have enough international models at hand. They just have to package and price it right for our markets

[turbo]

Originally Posted by JithinR

All they need to tell us is that they will get the 1.5 iVtec + CVT and 1.5L Diesel + CVT at launch itself

No to the first, and yes to the second.
The 1.5 will lose out on excise benefits, so its not possible. The 1.5 Diesel, as it sits in the Amaze is almost a certainty.

[JithinR]

Originally Posted by turbo

No to the first, and yes to the second.
The 1.5 will lose out on excise benefits, so its not possible. The 1.5 Diesel, as it sits in the Amaze is almost a certainty.

You already have Toyota, Ford and even Maruti who have decided to go ahead with the 1.5L petrol NA configuration. Not sure why Honda should hold back what could become it's bestseller with what can be best described as an adequate engine.

[saisree]

At last, the heads in the Honda India are coming out of coma.

Design seems to be a bit overboard for Honda. Early stages to comment. If it comes out of the Jazz platform, then we have a neat crossover on the driving dynamics aspect. They should deliver this product with as many engine/transmission options to have a chance in the market. Should match Venue/Sonet/Nexon at least on paper for people to give them a look.

[tirumalavoleti]

Pathetic on Honda to realise it needs proper SUV in 2021 when KIA built a plant altogether in 5 years.

During my City service, felt sad to see the barren sales with only 4 car models(infact 3 if jazz and WRV could be seen as same) to sell after 20 years of existence in india And no proper SUV

Checked with sales person who said HRV is still not confirmed.

Sad on Honda and Toyota for loosing to Hyundai and KIA

[CarguyNish]

Here's my take on this topic,

While the SUV segment is hot at the moment, with many players missing, it does make us think that the ones which are present are dominating that segment.

This has happened in other segments as well,

In hatchback space, the segment was dominated by WagonR and Santro. Other brands were absent there. In sedans, it was the Accent and Esteem in lower segment and City in upper segment. Then you had cars like Accord, Sonata, Camry, etc to name a few.

Rest of the other cars were of luxury brands. We didn't see Segments like Sub Compact Sedans, C-SUVs, etc. In last decade, we have seen these segments being created. Hence the same thing applies here to. Maruti doesn't have any car above Ciaz & S-Cross. Toyota is planning Creta Rival along with Maruti. Ford & Mahindra are also in line, VW & Skoda are launching their versions in next 6 months. Same with Honda and Fiat and Citroen etc.

So, it's just Kia & Hyundai that have entered early and milking the segment. While I like both of these SUVs, the recent crash test result has totally dented my confidence on these brands.

I know why Honda is taking time, they are balancing costs and profits. Something which don't blend well. Honda will definitely be thinking on lines of Magnite.

Apart from Amaze and City, no other car is selling. Honda killed the Jazz (1st & 2nd Gen) themselves by not giving what market requires. WR-V came and is slowly on the verge of getting sidelined. How on earth does Honda not give it a Auto option when every rival has one.

With this new Compact SUV, Honda needs to repeat what Kia has done with Sonet. Pack it with Gizmos and offer multiple powertrains. Honda knows how to make a spacious car, along with it they need to emphasize on safety and voila you have a very good car that is well rounded and will click even if it's a bit pricey. Their current 5th Gen City is the best example for it, they just need to repeat the same with different body styles.

2023 is long time away though, they need to bring in New HR-V ASAP after its global debut in Mid 2021.

[CARDEEP]

Thanks, but no thanks Honda Cars India. You won't bring the better & bigger products, extract as many products from Brio platform (as if a lemonade vendor extracts last drop of juice from the lemon slices), charge a bomb for the same, there are niggles in so called premium products, have a bigger portfolio in smaller markets, yet expect the people to lap up everything you sell.

Instead of HRV, which could have been a savings grace, as the WRV soldiers, you want people to lap up this product will mean diluting your premium image once again. Bring on the bigger & sweetre V-Tec engine than just adequate engine which needs serious flogging to keep up pace with rivals. Indians could have been the target customers/ buyers, but you have treated us as guinea pigs for development of cheap cars, at exorbitant prices for the sheet metal.

End of rant!

[landcruiser123]

The words "...is said to be working on a new compact SUV for the Indian market" sends alarm bells ringing in my mind, especially when Honda & Toyota use it. Remember the Brio? Amaze? The Forgettable Mobilio? BR-V? Etios? Liva?

What's common in all these cars? Cost-cutting. I don't doubt their mechanical reliability, but lack of design flair is a complete turn-off.

Rather than investing in a crowded segment, they should try: 1. Developing mass-market EVs 2. Getting the HR-V to compete with the Creta & Seltos.

[motorworks]

So even if Honda has already started some work on the compact SUV, like the article says the launch would happen only by 2022 or 2023. So Honda has to compete with the Creta, Seltos, Taigun, Vision N, probably the new Ford C SUV, Mahindra XUV500, Harrier, and maybe even a Suzuki Vitara also in the form of a Toyota. This would be one crowded segment! People are going to have ample options to choose from in the 14-20 lakh SUV segment. And Honda would be really one of the last ones to launch. The Koreans have brought all possible features to the table, VW and Skoda will stick to their strengths of build quality and superb turbo petrol engines, Mahindra and Tata have size to their advantage, what would be the positioning from Honda? I mean other than the age old USP of a VTEC engine with a CVT gear box?

[GTO]

Good to hear that Honda India is finally thinking of crossovers, about 8 years after the market showed its inclination for the same with the Duster & EcoSport. I think Honda should realise that it cannot sell budget-grade products in the mass market. Just doesn't suit the brand & neither can they do it well. My suggestion = focus on truly premium cars with high quality & technology being a USP, whether its in the 10 lakh segment or 30. Indian customers have shown time & again that they will pay a premium for a rich product.

[Vid6639]

I don't see the point in looking at sub4m SUV for Honda. They might as well look at creta and seltos.

The sub 4m segment is crowded already and highly competitive. Moreover there is a shortage of options for current sub4m SUV owners to upgrade to. They can look at only kia or Hyundai and a few will see Jeep.

Why not fill that demand rather than overcrowding a segment which you were not ready for before. There's no point in coming this late sometimes to the party when the party will move elsewhere.

[Mad Max]

I think Honda should just surrender and not make a big deal about nothing. Honestly, a brand that I fell in love with has done total injustice to the Indian market. It's a listless company just stepping forward without commitment or excitement.

Honda, please listen. Toyota and Maruti, Ford and Mahindra (though now in question) have been able to inject some enthusiasm into their brand. Can you please call Tata and have a honest chat about what you both need? Tata needs your brand following, you need Tata's variety of products. Just a thought.