Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Yes, please! The Honda RS Concept hints at a coming sub-HR-V small SUV to take on the MG ZS, Kia Stonic, Mazda CX-3, Ford Puma and Hyundai Venue

The RS Concept is just a show car for now, but its pert shape and high stance point to the rumoured ZR-V small SUV due soon.

Are we looking at a preview of the ZR-V – Honda's long-speculated global small SUV that slots beneath the HR-V to take on the likes of the Mazda CX-3, MG ZS, Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue?

Hot off its global debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on November 11, this is what the Japanese brand's new RS Concept strongly hints at.

Compact, upright and espousing Honda's "Amplifying Joy" clean and uncluttered design language as seen in the imminent Civic restyle as well as the all-new third-generation HR-V out in the second quarter of next year, the production vehicle that the RS Concept might lead to is believed to be headed for launch in Indonesia first sometime during next year.

Right now, Honda insists that the RS Concept is precisely that – a vision of what its Indonesian design division can create for that and other similar budget-constrained markets, rather than a foretaste of a future model.  After all, Honda has only just released the second-generation BR-V as a more cost-effective alternative to the HR-V.

However, the former is actually larger, longer and taller than the latter as a result of its role as an affordable family SUV, leaving a gap for a more compact and urban-friendly crossover that appeals to younger buyers and Empty Nesters alike.

As consumers around the world gravitate away from small passenger cars and into higher-riding crossovers and SUVs, the RS Concept is probably more of a glimpse into what Honda may eventually release as its global, sophisticated entry-level model – a role once reserved for the likes of the Jazz/Fit supermini, but now expected to be filled by the coming ZR-V.

To that end, the Indonesian show car was very deliberately premiered in racy RS guise, highlighting the image-driven, tech-focused demographic a possible production version would need to appeal to if it were to compete against the likes of more dynamic competition, such as the Ford Puma, Renault Captur and Nissan Juke.

“The Honda SUV RS Concept is designed as a compact SUV by combining a more sporty character, pleasant driving performance and technological sophistication,” according to the (translated) Honda press release.

The document also revealed the show car as a collaboration between Honda's R&D Asia Pacific Centre in Thailand and Honda in Indonesia, pointing to the lower-cost development as well as production base for the production version.

  • Are we looking at a preview of the ZR-V? Are we looking at a preview of the ZR-V?
  • This is what the Japanese brand's new RS Concept strongly hints at. This is what the Japanese brand's new RS Concept strongly hints at.
  • Right now, Honda insists that the RS Concept is precisely that – a vision of what its Indonesian design division can create for that and other similar budget-constrained markets. Right now, Honda insists that the RS Concept is precisely that – a vision of what its Indonesian design division can create for that and other similar budget-constrained markets.

Reports say that the ZR-V – a name that was said to have been trademarked by Honda last year – would be powered by a variation of the company's 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol VTEC engine as found in previous generations of Jazz to help keep costs down, driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.

Other powertrain permutations – including hybrid and all-wheel drive versions – are also expected.

Interestingly, the RS Concept seems to share similar proportions to the runaway smash-hit Toyota Raize small SUV, which was actually developed by Daihatsu and also built and sold in Indonesia (as well as in Japan) as the Rocky. Given their long-standing rivalry, it is safe to assume that Honda would not allow such a commercial opportunity to pass it by.

Finally, the show car/ZR-V may also be heralding the replacement for the now-ageing WR-V (there seems to be neither rhyme nor reason to Honda's naming convention) – which is essentially a slightly reskinned but significantly raised third-generation Jazz/Fit hatch that has been manufactured in India and Brazil since 2017.

Fun fact: that car's predecessor was known in some markets as the Fit Twist.

Whatever transpires, it is clear that Honda is serious about finding its mojo again in the global small crossover/SUV segment with a production vehicle with the sporty styling attitude of the RS Concept. It's all right there in the name.

No doubt that, if the latter were to become available, Honda Australia would most probably raise both hands up for it, particularly as the new HR-V due soon may breach the $35,000 mark, along with the latest Civic, leaving a very large gap in the brand's local portfolio.

Would you buy a ZR-V if it looked like the RS Concept? We'll learn more once the pint-sized HR-V sibling breaks cover.

View cars for sale