Expected to be launched by end of 2019, Honda HRV will take on rivals such as Maruti S Cross, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur. It will also take on more expensive SUVs like the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier. By the time Honda HRV is launched, other products such as MG Hector and Kia SP will also enter the mid-size SUV space.
2019 Honda HRV has to be really good to grab a share of this fast growing and highly competitive SUV segment. To understand its potential in the Indian market, here’s a quick specs comparison between Honda HR-V and its rivals. Honda HRV vs Hyundai Creta vs Maruti S Cross vs Nissan Kicks.
Dimensions – Honda HR-V is a treat to look at with its compact size and fluid design elements. With its curvy, sloping roofline, it can be easily mistaken for a crossover. In terms of width and height, Honda HR-V is narrowest (1770 mm) and shortest (1605 mm) in the group. Ground clearance is also lowest at 180 mm. In terms of length and wheelbase, HR-V is larger than only Hyundai Creta. With its compact size, Honda HR-V will offer improved manoeuvrability and agility on city streets.
Engine and transmission – In the Indian market, Honda HR-V is expected to borrow its powertrain from Honda Civic. In that case, the 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine will be the largest in the group, delivering 141 hp of max power and 172 Nm of max torque. However, in terms of power output, HR-V falls short of Jeep Compass that makes 163 hp. HR-V’s petrol engine is mated to a 7-step CVT automatic unit. In comparison, Creta and Compass offer both manual and automatic transmission. Honda HR-V offers all-wheel drive option in international markets, but this variant is unlikely to be launched in India due to cost constraints.
HR-V’s 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine is second largest in the group; first being Compass with its 1956 cc engine. In terms of power, HR-V is ahead of Kicks, Captur and 1.4-litre Creta, but falls short of Jeep Compass and 1.6-litre Creta. At 300 Nm, HR-V’s torque output is second best in the group. Engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with front-wheel drive configuration. Jeep Compass is the only SUV in the group to offer optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
Price – Expected starting price of Honda HR-V is Rs 15 lakh. At this price point, it will take on top-spec variants of Kicks, Creta and Captur. Jeep Compass starts at Rs 15.60 lakh, which will bring it on a direct collision course with Honda HR-V.
