Honda HR-V

Due to a restricted amount of localisation, Honda did initially have an issue bringing the stylish HR-V crossover to India. However, the brand now feels it is about time to launch the vehicle in India, as the competition in this segment is fierce, and Honda is missing out on all the important action. The HR-V has also been spotted in India camouflaged, testing in certain parts of the country. This offering from Honda will be positioned between the CR-V and the BR-V, and will take on SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and MG Hector.

The design of the HR-V is bold, and the coupe-like roofline will be unique to this segment. At the front, it is said to be inspired somewhat by the CR-V, with that large band of chrome on the nose with a four-slat grille below it, flanked by sharp-looking headlamps. The bonnet has a sloping effect, while the flared wheel arches house new 17-inch alloy wheels. The side profile looks attractive with those flowing creases, while the angular tail lights at the rear give the otherwise subtle rear-end a bit of pizzazz.

Expect the cabin of the HR-V to be inspired by the new Civic's. The top-of-the-line variants should come with a sunroof, automatic headlamps, connectivity features and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the safety front, high-end variants will get multiple airbags, hill-start assist, ABS with EBD and a rear parking camera.

For India, Honda is likely to launch the HR-V with the same engines that do duty in the new Civic: a 139bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine, paired to a CVT gearbox, and a 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine, paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The latter could prove to be a popular choice in our market, but the former will be the preference among Honda purists. Honda is likely to import the HR-V via the Completely-Knocked-Down route and assemble it, here in India.