What Could Honda’s India-Specific SUV Share With The New BR-V?

Recently, Honda took the wraps off the second generation BR-V in Indonesia. But this 7-seater SUV is unlikely to make it to India as the carmaker in August already confirmed it is working on a new India-focused SUV that will potentially be a Hyundai Creta rival. The question is, what can we expect from Honda’s new SUV for India? Here’s where the BR-V could come in with some of its elements being used for the India SUV. 

Let’s take a closer look at what could be shared between the two SUVs:

Design Language

The hallmarks of the new BR-V’s design philosophy is strong character lines, loads of chrome, and cladding all over to give it a commanding stance. While the India-focused SUV may not entirely look like the new BR-V, some styling elements could be used as an inspiration for its design.

Powertrains 

The new BR-V gets largely the same setup as before, a 121PS/145Nm 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, paired exclusively with a CVT automatic gearbox. This is the same engine that already powers the fifth-gen Honda City sedan, and could also make its way to the India SUV as standard.

There could  be another engine on the cards in the form of a dual-motor i-MMD hybrid powertrain from the City that is slated to arrive in India in 2022. In the sedan, it combines a 98PS 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. The first one acts as a generator, while the second develops 109PS and 253Nm to propel the sedan. 

ADAS

Recently there’s been an uptick in safety tech being offered for Indian models, with the likes of the ADAS range driver assists being offered in models like the MG Astor and Mahindra XUV700. This would be a good opportunity for Honda to plonk its Honda Sensing range of driver assists for the new SUV. The BR-V gets lane departure notification, auto high beam, adaptive cruise control, Honda’s ORVM-mounted LaneWatch cameras, road departure mitigation assist,and autonomous emergency braking. 

For a better idea on how these driver assists work, here’s a video explaining everything:

You might want to take this information with a pinch of Keep in mind that Honda has yet to comment on what’s coming for the new SUV for India. Expect it to take on the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, as well as the MG Astor.