Rumour: Honda Freed MPV expected in 2016

Economic Times reports that Japanese manufacturer Honda could introduce an MPV to rival the Toyota Innova in India in 2016. Called the Freed, it will be Honda’s second MPV to come to India. The first will be the Mobilio, a 7-seater based on the Brio hatchback, which is scheduled to be unveiled at the Auto Expo in February 2014.

While Honda has denied these plans, industry insiders seem confident that the Freed will appear on the Indian market in two years.

While the Mobilio will take on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Honda is pinning its hopes on the Freed to challenge the segment leader, the Toyota Innova. Currently priced between Rs. 9.77 lakh and Rs. 15.06 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), Toyota’s best-seller has had an unchallenged run in its class and has sold more than 4.5 lakh units since it was launched in 2005. However, with both, Honda and Maruti Suzuki eyeing its segment, the Innova could well have a fight on its hands.

Next generation models of the Freed and the Innova are undergoing designing and development at the moment.The new Freed is expected to be launched in ASEAN markets in mid-2014.