News has emerged from Autocar India, that Honda intends to launch a compact MPV in India, end of 2014. The MPV will have its cross hairs lined up on the Ertiga, another Maruti Suzuki runaway success that has garnered more than 30,000 bookings within a month of its launch.
Honda’s compact MPV codenamed 2NH will be a three-row, seven-seater that will be based on the next-gen Jazz platform. Honda has in its stables a Jazz-based MPV sold as the Freed in other Asian markets. The 2NH in all probability will be the next gen Freed but as Autocar India suggests, a more humble version with a price tag that will help sell it in India.
India and Indonesia will be the main market for Honda’s new MPV. The 2NH is likely to use an updated version of the City’s current 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol motor and a new 1.6L class diesel engine, being developed using Honda’s “Earth Dreams Technology.” Honda says this engine will be have world’s lightest body, top-of-class acceleration and fuel efficiency!
The Freed is a highly practical vehicle that does not compromise on any of the features we have come to expect from Honda. The Freed gets Vehicle Stability Assist – VSA which contributes to stable driving and reduced driver’s burden, and Hill Start Assist as standard.
There’s also a special edition G Aero Type that features an exclusive chrome-plated grille that gives a dynamic impression, dark chrome headlight garnishes and special front and rear bumpers that make the model appear wider and more aerodynamic. The arrowshot design language indicates that this might be the most probable candidate for the Indian debut, without the frills, if indeed Honda wants to price the 2NH competitively.
Source : Autocar India