Honda Brio Based Compact SUV Might Be Launched by 2016

Honda's EcoSport rivaling compact SUV is believed to be ready for an unveiling next year. Though there isn't much information available yet, word has it that the Brio based compact SUV could be revealed next year. The SUV is being developed explicitly for the emerging markets and hence, it is likely that the SUV will be launched in India too. If the rumours are anything to go by, the SUV is likely to be launched in India by 2016.

The Brio-based SUV will be priced competitively, and one can expect some resemblance with the CR-V in terms of design. In the front, the SUV could take design cues from Amaze and Mobilio, while its rear could feature CR-V inspired tail-lamps, a tapered rear-quarter glass and a lower entry-point boot.

Under the bonnet we expect to see a 1.5-litre, i-VTEC petrol; the diesel range of the Brio based SUV is will most probably come equipped with the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. Both the engines power the new City line-up, so expect the Brio based SUV to be equally frugal. As far as its price is concerned, the SUV could be accompanied by a starting price tag of Rs 6.5 lakh, which could go up to Rs 11 lakh. Furthermore, much like the Mobilio MPV, this yet unnamed SUV will also get a better equipped RS variant.

In the domestic market, the SUV will face stiff competition in the compact SUV segment from the likes of Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and a couple of other upcoming SUVs awaiting a launch in India soon.