Honda HR-V SUV Gets Spotted In India For The Very First Time

The premium SUVs are selling like hot cakes in India, and the HR-V is expected to be a stellar success from the house of Honda Cars India. The Japanese car major had not intended to launch the HR-V SUV in India, as it was thought to be an expensive model that the Indian market is not ready for, and Honda launched the more affordable BR-V SUV instead. However, the current situations are different, the BR-V never lived up to the expectations regarding sales, and the Indian consumers never stopped inquiring about the HR-V. Given the highly booming SUV market in India, Honda finally decided to bring in the HR-V here.

Honda was unable to increase the HR-V’s localization level as its center console had to be fully imported, which was making it's cost sore up to the price range of the higher C-SUV models like the Jeep Compass. That’s what caused the delay of the HR-V’s Indian arrival.

The current generation Honda HR-V SUV is closing its lifecycle’s end, and the next-gen model is due to launch globally in 2020. Honda is going to launch the current generation model of the HR-V in our country because of the relaxed import norms and to study the feasibility of bringing the next-gen HR-V. The relaxed import norms restrict the import of 2,500 units annually, so the HR-V will be available here in limited numbers.

In terms of looks, the Honda HR-V is expected to flaunt full LED headlights, LED tail lights and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. In terms of features highlights on the inside of the top trim model, the list would include a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, full leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. 

When safety is concerned, the Honda HR-V SUV will be braced very well. The expected safety equipment list on the vehicle would include 6 airbags, ABS with EBV, brake assist, Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and electric parking brake among many others.

The India-spec HR-V SUV is likely to share its engines and transmissions with the new Honda Civic sedan. Thus, we expect a choice of a 1.8-liter i-VTEC petrol engine that is capable of offering 141 PS along with 174 Nm paired with a CVT gearbox and a 1.6-liter i-DTEC diesel motor delivering 120 PS 300 Nm coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The Honda HR-V is likely to come to India via the CKD route from Thailand. The premium B-SUV is expected to hit the Indian car market around this year’s festive season.