Honda’s compact SUV for India to be a 7-seater?

Honda’s Brio platform has spawned multiple body types that have enabled the Japanese automaker to make good use of the sub 10 Lakh price space. While the Amaze and Mobilio often fare better than the Brio itself, Honda has been missing out on the compact SUV segment. The segment has a series of 5-seaters coming up over the next 2 years, but a report now suggests that Honda may offer their small SUV as a 7 seater.

Expected to be based on the Mobilio, the SUV will be designed to target the Renault Duster and Hyundai IX25 and is not expected to be a sub-four metre offering. According to the report by Autocar, Honda Cars India recently took their top dealers to the company’s R&D facilities in Japan and showed them the SUV in the metal. The report also goes on to add that the SUV will feature better interiors than the Mobilio - which opted for a minimalist and low-rent approach to keep prices competitive.

Thought there hasn’t been an official confirmation of the SUV or its arrival time, the upcoming 2016 Delhi auto expo would be the ideal time for Honda to showcase the vehicle, if not launch it. Powertrain and transmission options are unlikely to differ from the Mobilio’s 1.5L petrol and diesel, though the SUV could even be offered with the CVT automatic used on the City.

*Note: Honda Mobilio image for illustration only