The Japanese auto giant, Honda is planning to launch its first compact MPV (codenamed: 2NH), to rival the Maruti Ertiga which will come to light in India by late 2014 or early 2015. Reportedly, the company has begun development of the three-row, seven-seater that will be based on the next-gen Jazz platform.
In certain Asian car markets, Honda currently sells an MPV based on the Jazz platform known as the Freed MPV, the said neoteric MPV will emerge as the next generation model of the Freed MPV. Therefore, the 2NH is likely to be the next-generation Freed, albeit pared down to meet cost targets in key markets like India. Hence the sliding doors, which the current model has, are likely to be replaced with conventional doors.
For the Asian countries, the said car will be affixed with both petrol and diesel engines and the biggest market for Honda 2NH would be India and Indonesia. The engine expected to be doing duty in the petrol guise of 2NH compact MPV will be the 1.5-liter iVTEC petrol motor which also powers the upgraded version of Honda City. But the main demand will be for the diesel version, which will be powered by an all-new motor (1.4 or 1.6 litres) that Honda is currently developing.
The Honda 2NH will is likely to have best-in-class space, as well as good driving dynamics and thanks to the packaging efficiency of the Jazz platform which is sort of legendary. According to the officials of the company, Honda will concentrate on the Brio and Jazz platforms in India and spawn various derivatives off them. The Brio saloon is another variant that is expected in 2013.
Also see – 2012 Beijing Auto Show – Honda Concept S previews new production people mover for China
Source – AutoCarIndia
