Reports out of Japan suggest that Honda is developing a new competitor, and it’s due to be launched later this year, sometime around June to September 2022.
The Civic's 1.5-litre mill
Size-wise, the as-yet-unnamed SUV will slot between the all-new and . It will be platform mates with the , and is likely to be offered with a regular 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the e:HEV hybrid.
Interestingly, the same media outlet reports ‘eyewitness accounts’ that the upcoming Honda is rather reminiscent of the . It’s also said to be rather sporty, leaning away from being a mild SUV or an off-roader.
BestCarWeb has taken a digital stab at the design, and though the front grille might take getting used to, the SUV’s premium aspirations are clear. Traces of the current HR-V are evident in the grille and single-piece taillights.
What about the Honda SUV RS Concept?
Meanwhile, the Honda SUV RS Concept that was first previewed at GIIAS 2021 will be making its debut sometime in 2023.
That’s a competitor to the likes of the Kia Sonet, Toyota Raize, and Daihatsu Rocky ( to us), and as such is rumoured to get a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine, though further details of it are still under wraps.
Keyword: 'Looks like a BMW': Honda's upcoming Toyota Corolla Cross rival rendered, slots between HR-V & CR-V