Honda hit the bullseye with their entry-level sedan, the Amaze, in India, it had everything going for it, pricing, features and even performance. The Japanese carmaker is upbeat, following the success of it's Amaze by launching new products. Interestingly a news report in Economic times claims Honda is planning to introduce its global MPV the Freed in India. If Honda decides to bring it to India it won’t happen before 2016 as the Freed is under development and will be launched later next year.
The word Honda has always been associated with the City, three generations later, the fourth generation again takes the centre-stage, but Honda needs more than that to be a big player in the Indian market. The future beholds the MPV based on the Brio platform named Mobilio, followed by the Jazz, both vehicles will be shown at the Auto Expo 2014.
The Mobilio is yet to be launched and depending on the response it garners Honda might re-consider the strategy to launch the Freed. The new car will lock horns with the Toyota Innova in India. The possible engine options could be the 2.2-litre oil burner churning out 150bhp and 350Nm of torque found in the global CR-V mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Not a company to shy away from experimenting, Honda might mate the diesel engine with a five-speed automatic as well.
Honda India have refused to comment on this matter, a Honda spokesperson said they are interested in the fast-growing MPV segment and look forward to launching the Mobilio next year.
Over the years Toyota’s mainstay, the Innova had a monopoly of sorts in the MUV segment, it has clocked a figure close to half a million units on the sales chart till date. Honda launched the Civic and left the best-selling Corolla struggling, can they repeat it? Will Honda’s Freed eat into Innova’s sales? It is wise to say may the best MUV win.
