Honda India in "advanced stage of a study on the compact SUV" - Report

BR-V expected to premiere at Auto Expo 2016.

Speaking to IANS at the launch of the all-new Honda Jazz in Kolkata, Honda Cars India's assistant vice president for the marketing division, Anita Sharma, said that the company was in an "advanced stage of a study on the compact SUV space", and that it would take a call post the study's outcome.

The compact SUV expected to be introduced by Honda Cars India is the Honda BR-V, which will have its world premiere on August 20 at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). The BR-V will first launch in the Indonesian market next year, though bookings are expected to start at the motorshow itself.

While other compact SUVs such as the Renault Duster and the recently-introduced Hyundai Creta offer a 2-row seating layout with capacity to seat 5 occupants, the BR-V is confirmed with a 3-row layout that can seat seven occupants, giving it more practicality.

Power for the BR-V is announced to come from a 1.5-liter petrol engine, which would be mated to a 5-speed manual and a CVT. According to reports, a more powerful 1.8-liter petrol could also be introduced for the Indonesian market.

Also read: Next generation Honda CR-V will be bigger, feature 7 seats as standard – Report

The BR-V could be previewed at the Auto Expo next year. For the Indian market, it will be powered by the 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel engine in addition to a petrol.

[Source - EconomicTimes]