Images of a mysterious Honda compact SUV have surfaced in Indonesia, picked up by Autonetmagz. Now, we already know that the H brand has plans for a small SUV, one to rival the likes of the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize. It will also be a starter SUV for the brand, one that sits below the current HR-V, which is relatively high up in size and price. The HR-V is a true B-segment SUV, and is significantly larger than the Rocky/Raize, which is, at best, a very small B.
We know of the plans because
Honda released the SUV RS Concept in Indonesia late last year as a preview of
such a model. That showcar looked really good, but these leaked images – if
they are indeed of the production version – show a much watered down design.
The SUV RS’ “fade out” grille has been
replaced by a more conventional item, with the chrome studded RS treatment seen
on the new HR-V RS. There’s a chrome bar on the top of the grille, but the
mystery car’s headlamps are much larger than the slim/sharp eyes of the
concept. That’s only to be expected – showcar lights and wheels are usually
exaggerated. Fog lamps are needed for the actual car, so the lower side
elements aren’t so minimalist. There’s a sliver skid plate-style trim but it
has three notches instead of two. The nose of the car also appears to be more
upright. Overall, the face is inoffensive, if a bit conventional.
The rear is a huge departure from the
concept, both in shape and details. The SUV RS showcar had a steep, sloping
rear screen and full-width LED
signatures, just like on the new HR-V. The so-called production car is clearly
not a baby HR-V then, with more regular angles and tail lamp clusters. Details
that can be seen here are a decently sized spoiler, 3D-style tail lamps that
aren’t flat, and silver trim on the diffuser area to match the front end. Also,
inverted L-shaped LED signatures like on the Civic FE.
