Honda has announced its plans to introduce a new sub-4 metre compact SUV in the Indian market by 2028, marking the company's return to the most popular segment after the WR-V was discontinued in 2023.
The announcement came during Honda's recent global financial results briefing, with the carmaker describing India as a priority market for future growth. It will develop the new model with Indian customer needs, preferences, and local market conditions in mind.
Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer at Honda, said,
“We will develop specifications that fully match the market conditions and customer needs in India.”
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Powertrain details are unknown, but we expect it to get a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, paired to a manual and CVT - seen on the Amaze. Given that most compact SUVs offer a turbo petrol option, Honda could introduce the same with this model, which could be power more cars in its lineup.
Honda continues to sell the WR-V in international markets such as Malaysia and Thailand. It remains to be seen whether the carmaker revives it in India, or comes up with a new model entirely.
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Upon launch, it will compete with popular models like the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet.
The new compact SUV forms part of Honda's bigger strategy to launch 10 new models in India by 2030, with seven of them being SUVs. Along with this, the company also plans a new mid-size model, likely an electric SUV, around the same period.
Image Credits: Honda Malaysia (WR-V shown for representation only)
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