Sub 4 meter crossovers are in demand globally – Currently Honda does not have a worthy rival to best sellers like Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue
The sub 4 metre UV segment in India has shown significant growth, year on year. Most OEMs have their eyes on the segment to improve their overall sales. Currently, all major OEMs in India have at least one offering in the sub 4 metre compact SUV segment.
While Honda does have the WR-V, it shall be considered as more of a hatchback with higher ground clearance and less of an UV / crossover. Folks at Honda can potentially see that they have been missing out on sales and are probably planning on maximizing upon the available opportunity.
ZR-V – For the Gen Z
The first time ZR-V name was leaked / reported, was back in May this year. But at that time, it was not clear what it would be. However, latest media reports from Japan suggest that Honda is planning to use the name for their upcoming cub 4 meter crossover.
Public debut of the all new ZR-V is planned for May 2021. ZR-V is going to be a next generation model of the WR-V and will be based upon the same platform upon which Honda Amaze has been built.
Speaking about design, a rendered image of what looks like the upcoming ZR-V has been doing rounds as well. The render is of a model which has an upright front fascia, thick chrome bar on the grille, squarish wheel arches, multi-spoke alloy wheels and bumper claddings. It is difficult to confirm if this is how the final ZR-V will look like. The Honda ZRV could be inspired by the XRV crossover from China.
Expected Powertrain
Reports also suggest that the ZR-V will not be an India-only model. Instead, it will also be sold in international markets as well. In global markets, the ZR-V is expected to be powered by 2 petrol engine options, including a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol motor and a 1 litre turbo petrol engine.
In India, Honda will mostly pack the ZR-V with the same 1.2 litre petrol motor which we have seen on the Amaze in the past. Considering that most crossovers in the segment are already having a turbo petrol on offer or has plans to offer in near future; one can expect Honda too, to launch their ZRV with petrol turbo option along side 1.2 liter petrol and 1.5 liter diesel.
Launch and Competition
Post launch, the ZR-V will be competing with multiple competitors. These would include segment best-sellers like Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet. Other competitors would include SUVs like Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. In terms of pricing, Honda might price the ZR-V in the range of INR 6-10 lakhs (ex-showroom).
As stated earlier, the ZR-V will become the spiritual successor to the WR-V and Honda might land up discontinuing the WR-V later in the future. It would also help Honda to stream-line its portfolio and costs, both. In our opinion, Honda might be a little too late to the party, but an aptly priced product could certainly help to revive some fortunes for the Japanese car manufacturer.
