Honda Creta competition SUV – Platform and details
We know that Honda had been evaluating the HR-V for India. However, the project was scrapped by the carmaker after it reached the trial production phase because of inadequate localisation. With just 30% localisation, the company couldn’t have profitably competed against its rivals. Now, the Japanese carmaker could bring in a mid-size SUV in future. After dropping the plans for a compact SUV, the manufacturer might add a mid-size SUV in its portfolio. In this article, we will discuss what we can expect from Honda’s entrant to the SUV segment with a Honda Creta competition SUV.
Platform and other details
Honda is shifting its focus back to the mid-size SUV segment. This mid-size SUV is expected to be based on the City’s platform. This would allow the brand to enhance the localization levels since Honda City is the top-selling product from the brand and sharing of parts would not prove to be an issue. Honda is expected to launch the N7X concept-based seven-seater SUV in the country which would take direct competition from other premium seven-seaters.
Honda’s rivals-to-be
The N7X concept-based SUV, if launched, would compete against Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and the upcoming Mahindra XUV700, along with cars like Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass, MG Hector, etc. The premium seven-seater SUV market is still developing. With only three products to compete against, Honda could strategically place its product in the market. Apart from a seven-seater, we expect Honda to bring a C-segment SUV later down the line to take on cars like Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, etc. But before that, we think Honda will bring a five-seater version of the N7X to compete with mid-size SUVs like the Tata Harrier, MG Hector, Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson.
Engine expectations
To keep the costs in check, localisation of about 90% is expected from the Japanese carmaker. We expect the same engine options, the 1.5-litre petrol unit and 1.5-litre diesel unit to be carried on to the SUV as well. However, being an SUV, it is expected to make more power when compared to the City. Even gearbox options and some suspension bits are expected to be carried over from the Honda City. It could also borrow the electronic architecture from the BR-V to reduce production costs further as the company aims to sell 40,000 units per year.
While it’s too early to confirm, there are possibilities that the upcoming Honda three-row SUV for Indonesia could be the one headed to India as well. The company has recently registered the “Elevate” trademark in India, which could be the three-row Honda’s SUV name in our market. With a product like this and its five-seater version in the future, Honda will finally have another strong product that it can rely on for sales apart from the City sedan.
This was our information on the Honda Creta competition SUV. If you have car buying doubts click here to ask! Get the lowest price for car insurance here. For more such content stay subscribed to MotorOctane Youtube, Google News Facebook and Twitter. Also, follow us on Flipboard and Reddit where we have a discussion community.
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