Sporty new Honda small SUV breaks cover

Honda has revealed a near-production small SUV concept at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show that previews a sporty new model designed to sit below the incoming 2022 Honda HR-V.

It’s dubbed the Honda SUV RS Concept and, according to the car-maker, combines a “fun character, pleasant driving performance and sophisticated technology”.

It also looks to have smaller dimensions than the third-generation Honda HR-V that launches in Australia early next year.

This could open up the prospect for an Aussie launch down the track, handing the Japanese brand a second entrant in the fast-growing light/small SUV segment.

However, Honda Australia has poured cold water on the RS being anything other than an exterior design concept at this stage.

Befitting its RS nomenclature, the new SUV has the edge over HR-V when it comes to aggression, with prominent black mesh air intakes, red exterior trim and full-length body cladding.

Developed by Honda Asia Pacific’s R&D department and Honda Indonesia, some overseas outlets are suggesting the Honda SUV RS Concept could materialise in production form as the Honda ZR-V.

Honda has already trademarked the ‘Honda ZR-V’ nameplate in Australia, receiving approval for the model name under class 12 (automobiles) in February this year.

If the ZR-V does make it Down Under, its sportier disposition would almost certainly make it a direct rival for the pint-sized Ford Puma, particularly the more athletic ST-Line and ST-Line V variants.

That said, a Honda Australia spokesperson said the RS concept "doesn’t refer to any specific model" and that the ZR-V trademark applications were "unrelated to the Indonesian concept car".

"As a concept car, there are no plans to launch this vehicle – rather it’s to gather feedback from customers, which will be important learnings for the Honda Indonesia team in helping to develop products for their market in the future," he said.

The brand has not divulged powertrain details for the Honda SUV RS Concept, however electrification is likely to feature in some form – most likely via the innovative e:HEV hybrid set-up due here in February under the bonnet of the HR-V.

“SUV segment is currently very growing in Indonesia and customers like the character of a sportier car to suit various activities and road conditions,” said PT Honda Prospect Motor president director Takehiro Watanabe.

“Sport Utility Vehicles are becoming more sporty by applying the RS character which has been very well received by customers in Indonesia.

“We are very proud to make Indonesia the first in the world to introduce the Honda SUV RS Concept.”