New Honda SUV teased ahead of global unveil

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has released the first teaser of its upcoming all-new SUV in the form of a sketch. The brand has also confirmed that the SUV will make its worldwide debut sometime in the summer of 2023. In an issued statement, the carmaker said that the all-new SUV was designed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co. Ltd., following the market surveys in India for customers changing lifestyle requirements and expectations from Honda and its new SUV in terms of design and performance.

Honda's upcoming new SUV: Design

The teaser sketch gives us a glimpse of the design of the SUV. It appears bold and muscular with the upright fascia, cladding, and sharp shoulder line. There are slim daytime running lights with LED headlamps, the radiator grille seems partly closed-off, and the front bumper houses circular LED fog lights. Notably, the DRLs may double up as turn signals. The teaser also shows a faux skid plate and roof rails.

Honda's upcoming new SUV: Interior

Although Honda has yet to reveal the interior design of the new SUV, we expected it to come with a sizable touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster. Other features may include a wireless charging pad, ventilated front seats, a leatherette or leather upholstery for the seats, USB Type-C fast-charging ports, ambient lighting, front and rear armrests, and so on.

Honda's upcoming new SUV: Features

Regarding the features, Honda might offer a single-pane sunroof or even a panoramic sunroof, electric parking brake with auto hold, six airbags, ESC, hill hold and decent controls, traction control, and four disc brakes, among others.

Honda's upcoming new SUV: Powertrain

The powertrain details of Honda's upcoming SUV are unavailable at the moment. However, the SUV is believed to be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and strong-hybrid petrol engines similar to the on-sale City and City e:HEV. The petrol could be offered with either manual or automatic transmission, while the hybrid unit with an e-CVT.

Honda's upcoming new SUV: Price and rivals

Upon launch, the new SUV is likely to compete against the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Meanwhile, it is expected to be priced between Rs 10-16 lakh.