Maruti Suzuki Ertigas rival Honda 2NH MPV is expected to be launched by 2014

Honda Siel Cars India is working on a new Multi-Purpose vehicle for Indian market. The seven seater MPV is codenamed '2NH' by the car maker, which is supposed to compete in its segments with other MPVs like Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Xylo and the Toyota Innova.

The new car from Honda Siel is to be modelled on the same platform as that of the existing Malaysian-spec Honda Freed MPV. Freed itself is modelled along the structure of next generation of Honda Jazz, which has seating capacity of 7 adults. Company is planning to domesticate the Malaysian-spec Freed to suit Indian terrains and localise the production process. It is bound to do away with some the features of the car before launching it in the country.

Honda 2NH will be offered in the domestic circles with an array of engine options for both petrol and diesel models. However, the company will focus more upon the diesel variant of the car, since the demand for the diesel fuelled cars never declines in India where people expects value-for-money. Also, the coveted Honda's Earth Dreams series of diesel engines will be launched in the country in next few months.

The 1.5 litre iVTEC petrol engine, which powers the Freed MPV, will adorn the 2NH as well but with enhancements. A 5- speed transmission will also be equipped in the car. Earlier, the Japanese car maker had faced a decline in its sales due to the absence of a diesel variant. The company is now working on development of turbo diesel engine, which will deliver higher mileage, performance and reduced emissions. New diesel engine will be hooked into the 2NH to ensure its success in the Indian market.

The outgoing MPV from Honda, Freed is high on quality in terms of interiors just like its sibling, Jazz. Small size of engine compartment with capacious cabin is the distinguishing feature of the car. It will be quite interesting to see how the car maker price the MPV and modifies it into the India-spec 2NH. As per reports, the car will be launched by 2014.

Maruti SuzukiErtiga [2018-2022] ₹ N/A OnwardsCheck On Road Price

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