Honda City platform based seven-seater MPV under development

Honda is developing a new MPV to sit a segment above the existing Mobilio. The new Honda MPV, most likely the new Odyssey or Shuttle as they are known in international markets will be based on the Honda City/Honda Jazz platform and will go up against the likes of the Toyota Innova in India as a slightly more luxurious seven-seater MPV.

Originally introduced in 1995, the Honda Odyssey is one of the most popular Japanese people carriers ever made. Currently in its fifth generation internationally, the Odyssey is available in a range of engines. In India, expect the Odyssey to be fitted with both a petrol and diesel engine to cater to both categories of audiences. That said, as internationally available, we do not see the larger 2.4-litre petrol engine or all-wheel-drive versions making it to Indian shores.

From the leaked patent images, the new Honda MPV looks quite similar to the upcoming Jazz in terms of its front fascia while it borrows heavily from the Mobilio in terms of rear end and C-Pillar and greenhouse design. Expect the new MPV to get the dashboard and basic interior trim from the Honda City / Honda Jazz too with the likes of the large colour display for the infotainment package, start-stop button and of course, the touchscreen AC controls.

Although not much else is known about the car, considering the fact that the Toyota Innova even with its premium price tag does see healthy sales figures, it is only a matter of time before the likes of Honda decides to crash its party with a more luxurious and better looking seven seater MPV in India. The Honda Odyssey / Shuttle though does need to have a bigger engine as compared to the 1.5-litre diesel engine that you currently get in the City to help it perform better than the Innova.

Picture Credits: Worldcarfans.com