Honda’s new SUV, the HR-V was recently spied testing on Indian soil. Earlier, news from the Japanese automaker had confirmed a 2019 release, and we are now inching closer to it.
The HR-V is the 4th of the 6 new cars Honda plans to launch this year, the other three being the second generation Amaze, Civic and CR-V. It shall slot between the BR-V 7-seater MPV and the CR-V SUV which is available in both 5 and 7 seater configurations. In terms of looks, the car takes features from the new Civic, which itself borrows hints of style and stance from its high society cousin; the Acura NSX. In terms of physique, it is much like a scaled down CR-V and sits on 17-inch alloy wheels.
While not much is known in terms of powertrain, features and equipment, speculations are that the HR-V will borrow a lot from the Civic. Doing the motoring duties will be the 1.8-litre 141-hp petrol engine with a CVT gearbox, and a diesel engine will be made available in the later stage of its life cycle.
The car will be a completely knocked down (CKD) unit assembled locally, so we expect the car to be priced at a premium. This will enable the car to compete with not only the Hyundai Creta and Nissan kicks, but the premium mid-size SUVs such as Kia Seltos and MG Hector too. The car is slated to be unveiled this Diwali.
