Honda charts return to mid-size SUV segment

Honda is likely to launch a mid-size SUV to compete with the Alcazar, Hector Plus and Safari.

Looks like Honda has finally narrowed down on the next SUV for the Indian market. If recent reports are to be believed, the Japanese carmaker is planning to enter the mid-size SUV segment. Whether it will be able to replicate the success of the Kia Seltos and MG Hector, only time will tell.

We know that Honda was evaluating the HR-V for India. The project had even reached the trial production phase before it was scrapped. Honda realized that 30% localization wouldn't be enough to offer the HR-V at a competitive price.

This prompted the company to look at other segments. At one point, Honda was considering an Amaze-based compact SUV. But, given how crowded this segment already was, it made little business sense.

Now, Honda has shifted its focus back to the mid-size SUV segment. But this time, instead of the HR-V, it is believed that a City-based SUV is being considered for India.

That's where the N7X concept SUV comes into the picture. The car was revealed in Indonesia earlier this year. The report states that Honda could offer the all-new model, dubbed the S-SUV, in two seating configurations - 5-seater and 7-seater. While the 5-seater will compete with the Creta and Seltos, the latter will take on the Alcazar, Hector Plus and the Tata Safari.

The S-SUV is expected to share its engines and suspension components with the City. It could also use the BR-V's electrical and electronic architecture to reduce costs further.

Rumours suggest that the S-SUV won't go on sale anytime before 2023. Once launched, Honda hopes to sell around 40,000 units per year.

Source: Autocar India