New Honda SUV spied testing, set to rival Creta, Grand Vitara

Honda’s upcoming midsize SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads for the first time. News of two new Honda SUVs specially designed for India first surfaced last year. Honda also shared a teaser image of one of the SUVs recently, and it is expected to launch during the Diwali season. More details are expected in the coming months.

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New Honda SUV: What do the spy shots suggest?

While the Honda SUV that was spotted testing was heavily camouflaged, its basic structural design could be made out quite well. The SUV shares the design philosophy of other Honda SUVs that are sold globally. The front profile features a sleek headlamp setup integrated with LED DRLs along with a wide grille and an upright nose. 

The side profile reveals square wheel arches and multispoke wheels. A sunroof and roof rails could also be spotted on the test unit. The SUV gets a sloping roofline and a spoiler mounted on the tailgate. The tail lamp design looks similar to the WR-V that was launched in Indonesia last year. There also seems to be a 360-camera fixed on the side mirrors.

This new midsize Honda SUV is expected to get 5th-gen Honda City’s powertrains. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine can produce a maximum power output of 121hp and comes mated to a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox. In a strong hybrid configuration, this engine can put out 126hp and is paired with an e-CVT gearbox. There will be no diesel engine options on offer.

Honda has plans to reveal a sub-compact SUV this year as well. This new offering is codenamed PF2 while the midsize SUV spotted testing recently has been codenamed PF2S. The former could get Honda Amaze’s 1.2-litre petrol engine. It remains to be seen whether Honda will offer a mild-hybrid setup on its smaller SUV.

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Conclusion

More details about the two new Honda SUVs will be coming out in the following months. We could see the new midsize SUV get unveiled in the summer with an official launch later in the year. Upon launch, the new Honda SUV will rival the likes of Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

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