The production version of the Honda Urban SUV will be debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show which will begin in two days. The SUV has been named the CR-U and will be launched in India to compete with the entry-level utility vehicles like the Renault Duster, Mahindra XUV500 and the Ford EcoSport.
The CR-U, as we had mentioned earlier when images of the SUV had been leaked online, is based on the same platform as the Honda Fit (Jazz) that is already in production. It is also the third vehicle from the Japanese automaker to embody its new ‘Exciting H Design!!!’ philosophy.
In terms of design, the compact SUV gets a sloping roofline and very CR-V like characteristics on the side with the exception of the brake lights which now comes in a new style.
The new model will make its India debut soon to compete in the highly lucrative compact SUV segment. It will be the second car to be launched in here with Honda’s new platform, after the all-new Honda City.
The Indian version of the CR-U is expected to share components with rest of the line-up. The petrol version will get 1.5-litre i-VTEC from the City and the oil burner will be taking the 1.5-litre i-DTEC from the Amaze.
Now, with the availability of diesel engines Honda sales are expected to increase substantially and the current facility in Gurgaon (which is already running at close to capcity) won’t be sufficient to fulfill the demand.
The CR-U should make its India debut at the 2014 Auto Expo; however, its launch will depend upon the readiness of the facility in Rajasthan, which is under construction now.
Image source: Carnewschina
