A new Honda small SUV positioned below the
Honda HR-V is in the works for Japan. Several Indian media reports are claiming
it to be an India-bound sub-4 metre model, which doesn't seem to be the case. Best
Car Web has been reporting since last year that Honda is developing a B-SUV
smaller than the HR-V for Japan. However, we expect it to be bigger than the
Fit Crosstar (Jazz Crosstar) crossover-styled hatchback that is 4.1 metre mm
long. With the HR-V (4.3 metre long) set to get bigger with a full model change
this year, there's an even stronger possibility that the smaller SUV will
probably measure around 4.2 metres in length.
There are reasons even stronger to believe
that the new Japanese Honda small SUV isn't an India-bound model. This model
will likely be based on the same platform as the not-for-India fourth-gen Honda
Jazz. On the other hand, any Honda small SUV arriving in India, be it a
length-restricted model like the Kia Sonet or a premium model like the Kia
Seltos, will be based on the platform of the Honda Brio/Honda Amaze.
The new Honda small SUV for Japan will
reportedly mount the Euro-spec Honda Civic's 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine. This
turbocharged three-cylinder petrol mill produces 126 PS at 5,500 rpm and 180 Nm
of torque at 1,700-4,500 rpm. There will be a hybrid variant too, using the
downsized i-MMD two-motor hybrid system of the 2020 Honda Jazz's hybrid
variant.
