Honda, the Japanese automaker, is working on a compact SUV to rival against the likes of Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and soon-to-be launched Hyundai ix25. While few carmakers are readying their SUVs based on all-new platform, many automakers including Honda are using their existing platforms to price their compact SUVs competitive in the market. The Japanese carmaker is readying a compact SUV based on the Brio platform that also underpins the Mobilio MPV and the Amaze compact sedan, claims a report published on Autocar India.
The report also says that the compact SUV will be unveiled at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo. The launch is expected in the second half of 2016. The Brio SUV will be spacious enough to accommodate seven passengers, which means this might not fall under below 4-metre space. We believe that the company might also launch the five-seat version to compete Ford EcoSport, while the seven-seat model could rival against the likes of Duster and Terrano.
The compact SUV will get fresh design and rugged looks with aggressive body cladding, skid guards, roof rails and large bumpers. While the Amaze, Brio and Mobilio are criticized for their average interiors, it is expected that the compact SUV will get better quality interiors.
The Brio SUV will share its engine & other mechanics with Mobilio MPV. While the petrol unit will be the tried & tested 1.5-litre i-VTEC unit that produces 117bhp of power, the oil burner could be the Amaze's 1.5-litre i-DTEC producing 99bhp of power. Both automatic and manual version of the SUV are likely to be on offer.
Source: ACI
