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

CY Foong · Jan 6, 2022 01:15 PM

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 01

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 Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 02

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

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The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 01

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 02

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

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 03

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 04

No fancy gizmos to see here, a sign that this SUV is close to production ready

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

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 05

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 06

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?

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 07

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 08

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.

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 09

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 10

Aside from 'lambang H', the other noticeable badge on the rear is the RS badge

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?

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 11

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 12

Note the blacked-out windows, the interior is still a secret

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

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 13

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.

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 14

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 15

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

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 16

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 17

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

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 18

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.

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 19

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

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 20

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

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 21

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?

The Honda SUV RS Concept will scare off the Ativa and here are 25 photos to prove it 22

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?

CY Foong

Writer

Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.

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