Mid-Size SUVs from Honda and Kia Set to Launch in 2023

New SUV from Honda

Honda has faced challenges in the Indian market for some time. Its product range in India is not as diverse as in other markets, and the company has announced that it will discontinue some models in 2023. One of the reasons for Honda's struggle in India is the lack of an SUV in its portfolio. In an effort to rejuvenate the brand, Honda is developing a mid-size SUV, which is expected to be launched in 2023. The forthcoming SUV is likely to feature a hybrid engine and will compete with vehicles such as the Toyota hybrid, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Creta.

According to various reports, Honda is expected to release its new mid-size SUV in the Indian market by April 2023. The SUV will be based on the platform of the Honda Amaze compact sedan, which will be modified for the new model. The mid-size SUV is expected to be over 4 meters in length, and Honda plans to heavily localize its production in order to offer a competitive price. In the mid-size segment, aggressive pricing is crucial, especially when competing with cars like the Creta and Grand Vitara. It is also rumored that the SUV will be sold exclusively in India.

There is currently no information available about the appearance of the upcoming Honda SUV. No spy photos or render images have been released. As for the engine and transmission, Honda is expected to offer only petrol options. With new emission standards set to be implemented in India, it would be difficult for Honda to offer a diesel engine without significantly increasing the price of the SUV. Instead, the company is likely to offer a hybrid petrol engine. The petrol version of the Honda SUV is expected to be powered by a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine, which produces 119 bhp and 145 Nm of peak torque. This is the same engine that is also available in the fifth generation Honda City sedan.

The next engine option for the upcoming Honda SUV is expected to be a hybrid, similar to the City eHEV. This system combines an electric motor and a petrol engine to power the vehicle. The SUV will feature a 1.5 liter petrol engine that operates on the Atkinsons cycle, paired with an electric motor that is powered by a battery pack located in the trunk or floor of the car. This self-charging electric vehicle offers improved fuel efficiency compared to a regular petrol engine. The upcoming Honda SUV is expected to have a new interior with a floating type touchscreen infotainment display, a fully digital instrument cluster, and other features. In addition to competing with the Grand Vitara and Hyundai Creta, the Honda SUV is also expected to rival the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq in

Kia's New SUV

Kia India is preparing to launch a new compact lifestyle SUV, which will join its current lineup of SUVs, including the Sonet and Seltos, in an effort to increase sales. The upcoming SUV will offer a range of engine and transmission options, with a target price range of approximately INR 12 lakh to INR 24 lakh. Like the Sonet and Seltos, the Kia AY SUV will be available with both electric and petrol powertrain options and will also be exported to other markets.

Kia India is developing a new, sub-four-meter SUV, internally codenamed AY, which will sit between the Seltos and the Sonet in the company's lineup. According to sources, the AY will feature a tall, boxy design and is expected to have a rugged, SUV-like appearance, distinct from the more crossover-like designs of the Seltos and Sonet. The AY is also expected to address one of Sonet's weaknesses, which is a lack of rear legroom in favor of more boot space. With its tall stance, the AY is expected to offer more interior space and roominess. Additionally, AY is reported to take design inspiration from the Kia Soul, a popular model for the brand in other markets. The name of this new SUV has not yet been announced

According to company sources, the Kia AY SUV will be available with both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) powertrain options. Its rugged appearance may be aimed at attracting customers who are considering the Mahindra Thar or Suzuki Jimny. The ICE versions of the AY are expected to be powered by a single 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine and will not have true four-wheel drive capabilities, using the front-wheel drive platform of the Sonet instead.

According to sources, Kia India aims to produce approximately 100,000 units of the Kia AY SUV annually, with the petrol version accounting for 80% of total production and the EV version making up the remaining 20%. These volumes will include allocations for right-hand drive markets overseas. In the past four years, Kia has played a significant role in the growth of the Indian SUV market, which has doubled to 1.5 million vehicles. The company currently sells around 240,000 utility vehicles and holds a market share of over 10-12% in the SUV segment. India has quickly become Kia's third-largest market and a key export hub. The brand has also achieved notable milestones, including selling a half million units cumulatively in record time and becoming profitable in a short period of time.