Honda ZR-V Imagined, To Rival Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue

It is widely known that Honda is preparing two new SUV models including the HR-V and an all-new sub-four meter SUV for the international market. It is expected that these two new cars will arrive by mid-2021. The new sub-four-meter SUV is reported to enter the market in May 2021. Rumoured to be named Honda ZR-V, this model will rival against the likes of Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky in the Japanese market. Meanwhile, in India, the new model will have to face the Kia Sonet, Maruti Vitara Brezza and Hyundai Venue as its main rivals. 

As for now, information and images of the Honda ZR-V are limited. However, digital artist Kleber Silver has recently uploaded new rendering images for the upcoming compact SUV by Honda. It can be pointed out that the artist has applied styling elements from the Honda Jazz, WR-V and CR-V SUV. The front fascia is carried from the Honda CR-V with Honda’s signature grille, chrome applique, sweptback headlights with LED RDLs and strong creases.

On the back, the Honda ZR-V rendering version looks rugged and muscular with a dominant dual-tone bumper, chrome bar and a roof-mounted spoiler. In addition, there are other styling cues like practical roof rail, diamond-cut alloys, chrome door handles, black-out roof, and diamond-cut alloys.

It is likely that the new Honda ZR-V will be underpinned by Honda Amaze’s platform. In earlier reports, it was suggested that Honda ZR-V would be built on the Honda Jazz’s platform, which will make the model costlier. As for the styling inspiration, it is expected that Honda ZR-V will get styling cues from China-spec Honda HR-V and XR-V crossover.

No detail about the powertrains of the upcoming sub-four-meter SUV is revealed yet. However, there is a rumour that Honda will provide two petrol options for the new SUV, a 1.0-litre 3 cylinder turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The smaller unit is capable of making 121bhp and 175Nm. The 1.5-litre petrol engine might come with an e-HEV compact hybrid system. The same hybrid system is offered on the global-spec new-gen Honda Jazz hatchback and upcoming India-spec RS Hybrid.

As for our market, it is expected that the Honda compact SUV will be launched sometime in late 2021 or early 2022.