The compact SUV segment needs absolutely no introduction, at least not to us Indians who love the fact that we are driving in an SUV, a feeling which makes us bloat our chest with pride. Knowing very well the demand for compact SUVs in India, a slew of global manufacturers are ready to attack the desires of our countrymen. What started off with Premier launching the RiO has gone further ahead with the latest launches being a resounding success. The Ford EcoSport has become so popular that a waiting period of almost a year is being heard off on certain variants.
Amongst all this, Honda was rumoured to bring in their Jazz based compact SUV to India, known as the Vezel. But this seems to be too premium for the mass market and hence Honda will launch a Brio based SUV instead. The Brio platform has already spawned a hatchback, sedan and an MPV. With a SUV on the same platform, the Japanese automaker is all set to exploit the cost effective platform and recover the costs of development. The Brio based compact SUV will be unveiled later this year and is headed to India for a launch next year, competing against the Renault Duster and the likes.
Being based on the Brio platform means it will share many bits with its siblings. The Brio compact SUV will look similar to other Brio based cars with the front resembling the Mobilio while the overall profile will flex muscularity for that macho feel of a crossover. The high-riding Brio compact SUV will boast of improved interior room and the car is expected to measure a tad above 4-metres in length. The interior will be all-black for that sporty feel. Powering the Brio based compact SUV are the same engines which will do duty on the Mobilio; i.e 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines which are already present on the City.
