Surprise as Honda previews ZR-V with SUV RS Concept

Honda has sprung a somewhat unexpected surprise on the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show by introducing the opposite of what was expected from its new ZR-V.

Instead of showing the production model, the Japanese automaker opted instead to reveal the concept model badged as the SUV RS Concept at the Indonesian showpiece, though reports are it is 80% representative of what the finished product will look like.

Styled in Thailand and riding on the same platform as new BR-V, the RS sports a silhouette similar to the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize, with the front facia drawing heavily from the new Civic sedan and hatch.

Characterised by slim LED headlights, a mesh RS branded grille, red accents at the base of the doors and an expansive mesh lower air intake, the concept also features Civic inspired alloy wheels, silver front and rear skidplates, and a thin full-length LED taillight arrangement seemingly not only derived from the Rocky and Raize, but also the Peugeot 2008 and 3008.

Set to occupy the position below the HR-V, and therefore replace the WR-V, no interior images were revealed, but according to Thailand’s headlightmag.com, the local market model will derive motivation from a normally aspirated 1.5-litre engine.

Hooked to a CVT, the unit produces 88kW/145Nm with drive, like in the WR-V and BR-V, going to the front wheels only.

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Expected later though is the 1.0-litre turbo that powers the Thai-market City sedan and hatch, while export market models are likely to receive the 1.5 e:HEV hybrid powerunit from the Fit and European HR-V.

Aside from Thailand, the ZR-V will reportedly be manufactured in India as replacement for the WR-V, meaning a possible candidate for South Africa in light of the former being sourced from the Tapukara factory in the state of Rajasthan.

For now though, little else about the production ZR-V is known, but expect more details emerge heading into 2022.