Honda has begun the
groundwork on introducing an all-new SUV to its India line-up. According to
sources, the Honda HR-V SUV will see its India launch sometime this year –
mostly likely around the Diwali festival. Back in October 2017, we reported
that the Honda HR-V is expected to be one of six new launches from the brand
for India, out of which we have already seen the introduction of the new CR-V, Civic
and the second-gen Amaze. Honda has been evaluating the India launch of the
HR-V for some time now but, due to the limited amount of localised components,
the model has been a tough business case for the brand.
According to company
sources, Honda has finally decided to take the plunge and give the model a
go-ahead for its India launch. The HR-V will sit between the larger CR-V and
the smaller BR-V in the carmaker’s India line-up. The current-gen Honda HR-V
first went on sale back in 2013 and received its first mid-cycle update in
2018. India will get a refreshed version of the HR-V that comes with front styling
similar to the CR-V, along with 17-inch alloys, LED headlamps, and tail-lamps
with LED bits. On the inside, the SUV is likely to mimic the Civic's
infotainment system and other features,

including a sunroof that will be offered on
the higher-spec variant. The HR-V is 4,295mm long, 1,770mm wide and 1,605mm
high, and comes with a 2,610mm wheelbase. In comparison, the Hyundai Creta is
slightly shorter at 4,270mm, a bit wider at 1,780mm and taller at 1,630mm, and
comes with a slightly shorter 2,590mm wheelbase. The Honda gets a rounded
coupe-like design and comes with a ground clearance of 180mm, while the Creta
has a more upright SUV-like design and stands a bit taller, at 190mm ground
clearance, which makes the HR-V look smaller than it actually is.
According to sources, Honda is likely to price
the HR-V just below the Civic sedan, which means a starting price of around Rs
15 lakh (ex-showroom) could be expected. While this may not justify the
price-to-size ratio for the HR-V, the company will market the SUV at the
slightly higher end of the segment. This means it will also take on the likes
of the Jeep Compass petrol and the upcoming MG Hector petrol, to some extent.