The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it

As the SUV market expands, it’s not surprising to see many carmakers trying to appeal to a more urban crowd with smaller models that suit their active lifestyle. Honda is one of them and the Honda SUV RS Concept previews its latest addition to its SUV line-up.

The SUV RS Concept made its global premiere at Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2021 (2021 GIIAS) a couple of months ago.

Sure, it might have the ‘concept’ name for now but this is essentially a preview of Honda’s upcoming subcompact crossover rival to the likes of the Perodua Ativa/Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky as well as the Kia Sonet.

Also read: Indonesians get more choices than us - Toyota Raize fights Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite

Even the overall design appears ready for production with no fancy camera wing mirrors, suicide doors, or oversized wheels. Recall Honda’s other notable concepts that debuted in Indonesia like the N7X and Small RS Concept which grew into the all-new BR-V and second-gen Brio respectively.

Also read: Honda Brio – The City Hatchback’s baby brother that Malaysians never got

Like the SUV RS Concept, those concept cars were close to being production-ready and interestingly their launches were held mere months after the concepts were shown.

Also read: Watch out Ativa, this Honda SUV RS Concept could preview the ZR-V, Malaysia launch in 2022?

However, we suggest to hold your excitements (and cancelling your orders for the Ativa) first because Honda is still very much quiet on its littlest SUV. Indonesian media speculated that it would be launched in the second half of 2022.

Details like the powertrains, dimensions, and safety equipment are still being under wraps for now. Even the name is still a mystery – could it be called the WR-V which in turn replaces the GK Jazz-based crossover, or will it be called the ZR-V?

Also read: Honda files patent for ZR-V, new mini-SUV positioned below the HR-V?

Either way, the SUV RS Concept which sits below the HR-V looks the part against its rivals. From the rugged trim pieces and body cladding to the faux roof rails, it has "active" written all over it.

Also read: You can put some things on the Proton X50's roof but its owner's manual says you shouldn't

Our colleagues from AutoFun Indonesia managed to take a closer look at this upcoming Ativa fighter and just on looks alone, we think the SUV RS Concept is a winner.

In front, the concept features a very sporty and futuristic Honda front grille that appears to be inspired by the FE Civic’s design as well as the all-new HR-V. Yet, kudos to the designers for giving it a very distinct look that is still recognisable as a Honda.

Also read: Malaysians say the 2022 Honda Civic (FE) is too tame, here are 33 photos proving them wrong

Going round the back, the SUV RS Concept gets a design that is similar to the all-new HR-V with a light bar that stretches across the tailgate. We dig the unique LED taillight clusters design but perhaps the production version might go for a conventional approach to keep costs low.

Also read: All-new 2022 Honda HR-V launched in Thailand, hybrid only, from RM 123k

After all, Honda Indonesia has mentioned that this crossover will eventually be sold in the ASEAN region, perhaps including Malaysia, as well as developing markets like South America.

Over on the side, the SUV looks very much compact but knowing Honda, it wouldn’t be surprising if the interior is spacious. The big H is known for its man maximum, machine minimum (M/M) philosophy that emphasizes on passenger space as seen on the Honda City and the outgoing HR-V which are among the most spacious in their respective class.

Also read: Honda City Hatchback's ULTRA seats, as clever as the Jazz's, and still the segment's best

Though the interior isn't revealed during the concept’s unveiling, we are expecting something modern and perhaps closely similar to the BR-V.

Speaking of the BR-V, the SUV RS Concept was originally teased back when the 7-seater crossover made its global debut back in October. Perhaps the Ativa rival could be built on the same platform as the BR-V but we’ll have to wait and see till launch day to get more details.

Also read: Scoop: Mini Honda BR-V planned for launch in H2 2022, to be named WR-V?

So, what do you think of the Honda SUV RS Concept? Is it convincing enough against the Perodua Ativa or will you still stick with the spiritual successor to the ever-loving Kembara?