Honda to Launch a New 7-Seater SUV to Rival Mahindra XUV700

Japanese automaker, Honda plans to launch 5 new products in the country before the end of this decade. The company has already announced to launch the Elevate based electric SUV in the country in 2026. Adding to it, the ZR-V hybrid was recently showcased to dealers and the same could be introduced in our market in limited numbers. Another key product from Honda will be a new 7-seater SUV, which will be based on the brand's new platform.

New Platform

The new Honda 7-seater SUV is reportedly to be based on a new platform, codenamed PF2, which is currently under development. The new PF2 will be a flexible platform and will be compatible with different body types including SUV and sedan. Moreover, the architecture will support different types of engines including petrol, strong hybrid and electric.

The new Honda 7-Seater SUV - What to Expect?

It will be an all-new SUV and will have no relation with the Elevate mid-sized SUV. The new Honda 7-Seater SUV will directly rival the likes of the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. Not just Honda, Renault, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia and Maruti Suzuki/Toyota are also working on their respective 7-seater SUVs for the Indian market.

This global 7-seater SUV will sit right between the Elevate and the CR-V. The new 3-row SUV will be offered with both petrol and petrol-hybrid powertrains. It will be equipped with the tried & tested 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that powers the Elevate and City. This engine produces 119bhp and 145Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.

The new Honda 7-seater SUV will also receive a new hybrid engine, which is the same unit that powers the City hybrid. It will have the Atkinson Cycle 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that is paired to two electric motors. The first motor act as an electric generator and the other will work as propulsion. The combined power and torque output stands at 126bhp and 253Nm, respectively. Expect the new 7-seater SUV to offer a mileage of over 25kmpl, as the City hybrid with same powertrain offers an ARAI certified fuel economy of 26.5kmpl.

Electric 7-Seater SUV

The new Honda 7-seater SUV is also likely to receive an electric derivative, which will challenge the likes of the upcoming Tata Safari EV and the Mahindra XEV 7e. However, exact launch time is yet to be revealed.