Honda are currently readying the next generation of their crossover SUV, the HR-V for the global markets. The Honda HR-V at present remains one of Honda’s most profitable products from its global portfolio. Hence, the excitement levels grew when Honda announced its plans to launch a new iteration of the car.
The next generation of the Honda HR-V is set to be unveiled for the first time during the Tokyo Auto Show next year. It will be followed by an immediate launch in Japan and other markets in the next few months of its release. Recently, a test mule of the car was spotted undergoing testing in the land of the rising sun.
This is the first time we get to have a glimpse of how the new Honda HR-V would look like. The production version of the car is set to feature Honda’s new family grille and tapered LED headlamps along with a revised bumper on the front. At the rear, the new HR-V will feature a new look consisting of LED tail-lamps and a rising tailgate.
Engine-wise, the next generation Honda HR-V could come powered by the same engine as seen on the Thailand-spec version of the City. This is a newly development 1.5 litre i-DTEC diesel motor which is different as compared to the one seen here. The big question regarding the car is whether it could be heading to our shores.
Well Honda had considered launching it a while ago in order to compete with the likes of the Renault Duster and then upcoming Hyundai Creta. But potential development costs for the Honda HR-V were on the expensive side leading to the possibility of the car coming here via the CBU route. Honda were also not finding it suitable to command a premium on their cars back then, which was another limitation.
As a result, the automaker introduced the BR-V as their representative for the relatively new mid-size SUV segment, which was based on cars such as the Brio, Amaze and Mobilio. Well the BR-V did not fare well and its discontinuation left forward a huge gap for Honda in the segment. With the mid-size SUV space witnessing massive growth today, Honda should be looking to jump on the bandwagon with the new Honda HR-V.
This can also open up a massive opportunity for Honda to rest their case alongside strong selling cars such as the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. Even if Honda do plan on introducing it here, the new Honda HR-V may not be coming anytime soon. Honda are yet to signal the project for India and development may lead to a long time.
At the earliest we can expect the next generation HR-V to arrive here by the end of 2022. Honda may look on eventually localising the HR-V here, if it gets a green signal from their officials. This could result in an affordable price tag for a car which is expected to pack in a lot of equipment.
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Also see: Honda HR-V Crossover India-bound to launch in 2019
