auto news desk, Honda India released the teaser of its upcoming mid-size SUV in January 2023. The new Honda SUV will make its global debut in the next few months. It will be launched by the middle of this year, which will compete with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyrider, VW Tigun, Skoda Kushaq and MG Astor in the market. According to media reports, some Honda dealerships have unofficially started taking pre-orders for the new SUV ahead of its official launch.
The new Honda SUV is expected to be named “The Elevate” as the name has already been registered in India. However, official information related to this has not been revealed yet. The new model will be based on the fifth-generation City platform and will be built at the company’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. The company aims to increase its production capacity from 540 units per day to 660 units by April 2023.
The teaser images reveal that the new SUV will feature styling elements taken from the global-spec CR-V and HR-V. The front fascia will feature a multi-slat grille with signature logo, LED headlamps with LED DRLs, circular fog lamps, coupe-like tapering roof, flared wheel arches with chunky cladding. Its length will be between 4.2 to 4.3 meters.
It is likely to get a modern cabin inspired by the Global Accord and Civic. It can get a large freestanding touchscreen and digital instrument console. The new Honda SUV may get ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) technology. It will have features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist system, road departure mitigation, automatic emergency braking, collision mitigation braking system and auto high beam. For safety, the SUV will get 6 airbags, ESC, VSM, hill launch assist, electronic parking brake, Lane watch system and 360 degree camera will be available. The new SUV is likely to be offered with two engine options, which will be the 1.5L iVTEC petrol and the 1.5L Atkinson Cycle e:HEV hybrid.