Upcoming India-centric Honda SUV To Enter Production Soon

The SUV will likely be a petrol-only offering with the choice of a strong-hybrid powertrain as well

Image used for representational purposes only

The long-awaited mass market SUV offering from Honda is due to arrive in India in 2023. It has now been confirmed that this new SUV is nearly ready to enter the manufacturing stage.

In an interaction with PTI, Takuya Tsumura, President and CEO of Honda Cars India stated, “The development phase of the model is almost done, and the company is now in the process of doing some final adjustments before the start of the mass production.”

We are yet to see any prototypes of this upcoming SUV and neither have any technical details of it gotten leaked as of yet. Honda has not even confirmed what size-based segment it is looking to enter with this all-new model. 

Image used for representational purposes only

The general belief is that the upcoming Honda SUV will likely be a compact offering to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara and the Kia Seltos. The Japanese carmaker could also showcase the SUV at the upcoming 2023 Auto Expo coming January.

Also read: Honda To Discontinue Jazz, WR-V, And Fourth-Gen City To Make Way For Its New SUV

Given other recent updates, Honda may offer it only with petrol engines as it is hesitant of diesels over their uncertain future. The SUV might even get the option of a self-charging hybrid powertrain shared with the City e:HEV. Toyota and Maruti have already introduced this technology into the segment with their co-developed SUVs, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the new Grand Vitara. 

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Honda’s new India-centric SUV will be a premium offering. It is likely to be equipped with large displays on the dashboard, internet-enabled connected car features, 360-degree-view camera, and ventilated front seats. The Honda SUV could also offer the added benefit of ADAS which is also offered in the City Hybrid.