Honda Cars India's customers asking for more premium vehicles.
Honda Cars India President and CEO Yoichiro Ueno said earlier this year that customers are requesting for and enquiring about the Honda HR-V. Now, Mr Ueno updates reporters that the company is assessing the Honda HR-V for India.
The Honda HR-V was originally introduced in Japan as the Honda Vezel in 2013 but at that time, a weak Rupee value and the high price of the vehicle didn't make a business case for the market, which led them to introduce the BR-V that didn't stand a chance with the Mahindra Scorpio and the Hyundai Creta.
While the rupee value is still far from strong, customers are shelling out more on compact premium vehicles in 2017, tempting Honda to seriously consider the HR-V for India. Mr Ueno concedes that the HR-V may seem "a bit expensive" for India where the fully localised Jazz-based WR-V diesel is priced at INR 8.79 lakh (ex-showroom). If the CKD or CBU route is taken, the HR-V would be untouchable to Hyundai Creta or Maruti S-Cross buyers.
The Honda HR-V measures 4,295 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width and 1,605 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. It's based on the same global platform as the latest Honda Jazz and Honda City as well as the Honda WR-V. It's offered in 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol, 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel and 1.5-litre i-VTEC+i-DCD hybrid (petrol-electric) models. India could get it with the familiar 87.7 kW (119 PS) 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and 73 kW (100 PS) 1.5-litre diesel engine if HCIL decides to take a chance.
Also Read: 2017 Honda Jazz (facelift) launched in Thailand, ‘RS’ variant debuts
LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear combi lights, keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, multi-angle rearview camera, 6-speaker audio system, six airbags, Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) are the equipment highlights of the Honda HR-V relevant to India.
In related news, Honda has planned a facelift for the Honda HR-V for next year.
[Source: The Economic Times]
