Honda mid-size SUV spotted testing for the first time in India

Finally, after so many years of speculation the Japanese automotive giant Honda Motor Company will finally bring a proper mid-size SUV into the country. Recently a test mule of the company’s forthcoming SUV was spotted testing on Indian roads for the first time ever. The test vehicle was seen wearing heavy camouflage but the major design details could be easily noticed. This new SUV from Honda once unveiled will challenge the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and a ton of other SUVs in this highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.

From the pictures of the SUV spotted testing in the wild, we can note that the SUV will most likely have an imposing front-end design. The SUV will get a set of sleek LED headlamps with a strip of LED DRL on the upper side. The SUV will also get a sizeable grille but the one in the camouflaged test mule only had a small opening to reveal as little as possible. The design of this forthcoming SUV is quite similar to the Honda HR-V SUV that is sold in the international markets by the brand.

Moving on the rear of the SUV it can be seen that the SUV has a decent ground clearance. It looks quite imposing and the proportions also seem to be like a proper SUV. Other key highlights at the rear include the addition of sleek taillamps, squared off wheel arches with an new alloy wheel design which we have not seen in any other Honda car in India. Additionally the roof line is a little sloppy then upright. Overall its looks quite similar to HR-V and the newly unveiled in Indonesian market the WR-V.

There are no pictures of the interior, but we can expect it to have a similar layout the new WR-V from Indonesia and will most likely come equipped with all the creature comforts that its current rivals are offering in the country.

As for the drivetrain side of things it is being speculated that the company will most likely offer this forthcoming SUV with the 1.5-litre petrol engine that pushes out 121hp 145 Nm of torque which will be borrowed from the highly popular mid-size sedan fifth generation of the City sedan. It could also offer it with the 1.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain that is offered with the City e:HEV hybrid. The 1.5-litre full-hybrid powertrain, includes an Atkinson cycle petrol engine, a front-mounted electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.

The available transmission options for the two powertrains—a 6-speed manual and a CVT for the 1.5-petrol engine, and an eCVT for the powerful hybrid—are anticipated to be identical. Additionally, the 1.5-liter Honda diesel engine would have been an excellent match for this SUV, but it won’t be available since Honda is discontinuing its diesels in India in advance of the Real Driving Emission (RDE) rules, which will take effect in April 2023.

For those wondering when will this SUV launch in the country. It is believed that most likely this SUV will be introduced in the later end of this year and will have its price reveal during the festive season. The company will most likely launch it in the Rs 16-18 lakh range. It could go a little higher as well.