In the past year, Honda has been on a product offensive in India, introducing the latest generations of its popular models like the Amaze, CR-V and Civic. The Japanese manufacturer intends to keep the momentum going by launching an all-new model for our market, the HR-V mid-size SUV, before the end of 2019.  

The Honda HR-V has already been on sale internationally for quite some time now. When it finally goes on sale in India, it will lock horns with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur and Jeep Compass; not to mention the upcoming production-spec Kia SP and MG Hector. With the mid-size SUV segment set to become one of the most hotly contested categories in the Indian automotive space, we analyse how the HR-V fares against its potential rivals. Read on to find out.       

Dimensions

One look at the HR-V and the swooping lines would have you believe that it is a crossover instead of a typical upright SUV – and the dimensions tell a similar story. At 4,295mm and 2,610mm, the HR-V’s overall length and wheelbase are the shortest amongst the competition, barring the Creta. The Honda is also narrower and sits lower (both in terms of overall height and ground clearance) than anything else in its segment.

Powertrains

Although the HR-V is also available with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines in some international markets, it is the 1.8-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines that will most likely make it to India, similar to the Honda Civic.

As such, the HR-V’s 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine is the largest in its class. With a healthy 141hp and 172Nm of torque, it is bested only by the Jeep Compass’ 163hp, 1.4-litre turbocharged-petrol engine. Transmission duties on the HR-V are handled by a sole 7-step CVT automatic unit, unlike the Hyundai and Jeep offerings, which can be had with automatic and manual gearboxes. Interestingly, the petrol HR-V is the only one that boasts of an optional all-wheel-drive capability, though it would be too optimistic to hope for this variant making it to India.

Talking diesel engines, the Compass is the top dog; but keeping that aside, the 1.6-litre i-DTEC HR-V comes off as reasonably powerful. Its 120hp power output manages to outshine the Kicks and Captur by 10hp, but falls short of the 1.6-litre Creta by 8hp. At 300Nm, it has a strong torque figure too, second to only the Compass. The Honda HR-V diesel gets a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and a front-wheel-drive configuration. In this regard, it is bested by the Hyundai (with an automatic transmission) and Jeep (with optional all-wheel-drive capabilities).

Price

Although the HR-V’s launch is still some time away, information from sources indicates that the mid-size SUV could be positioned as a premium offering, with an estimated starting price of around Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). This will make it more expensive than the Captur, Kicks and Creta, placing it in Compass territory. Only time will tell if Honda plays its cards right.