6 New Honda Launches To Expect In 2026: Elevate Hybrid To Prelude
After a few quiet years, Honda Cars India is preparing for an aggressive product push in 2026. It will revamp its existing portfolio and launch new models, including CBU imports. These will have both volume-oriented products and halo models. We will also see Honda’s first EV arrive in India this year. Let’s take a closer look at these plans.
The current generation (5th generation) of Honda City was launched in 2020, and the next generation is expected only in 2028. The sedan got a facelift in 2023 and is now awaiting another one. The second facelift will bridge the gap till the next-generation arrives. It is expected to come with major styling changes and more features, and will likely pump more appeal into the nameplate.
Sedans may have lost their popularity over the years, but the City continues to have a loyal fan following in India. The facelift will make those people happy, and attract new ones. The City now competes with the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Hyundai Verna in India. All these vehicles are set to get facelifts this year. The 2026 facelift will thus help the City stay relevant in the competition.
The facelift’s design will likely have cues borrowed from global models like the Civic and it will look more modern. Expected features additions include that of a 360 degree camera. Soon after the City gets a facelift, the hybrid version- City e:HEV, could also get a corresponding update.
The Elevate SUV is also set to get a mid-cycle refresh this year. The facelift will have minor design changes at the front and rear, a refreshed interior and a revised feature list. The current model’s 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine will be retained.
Honda reportedly has plans to introduce a hybrid powertrain on the facelifted Elevate,. It won’t however, be a City eHEV-sourced unit. Honda’s first locally relevant hybrid will be based on the Elevate and will feature the 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with a new hybrid system.
It will have a lighter battery pack and more energy dense electric motor. This setup will be more cost-effective and easier to maintain than those found in the City eHEV. This will also allow Honda to price the vehicle more competitively.
The hybrid mid-size SUV space is expanding rapidly. The Duster hybrid will launch around Diwali, and Kia will launch the Seltos hybrid sometime next year. This means that proper pricing will be more important than ever fior the Elevate hybrid’s success here.
The ZR-V will be powered by a 2.0-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine paired with an e-CVT transmission. The setup will be able to generate around 180hp. All Wheel Drive (AWD) system is also expected. This product will serve as a halo model and enhance the company’s aspirational value.
Another halo car from Honda, expected to go on sale in the first half of this year is the Prelude coupe. This two-door model will also be brought as a CBU import, and will be powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing around 200 hp. It will have a
Honda is also preparing to bring back emotion into its lineup with the Prelude coupe. Expected in the first half of 2026, this two-door model will also arrive as a CBU import. front-wheel-drive layout.
Instead of a traditional gearbox, the Prelude will come with Honda’s S+ Shift system and will share a lot of its components with the Civic Type-R. We expect this model to be priced in the ballpark of Rs 80 lakh, ex-showroom. Honda will not chase volumes with this product.
Though not confirmed yet, Honda is likely to launch the new WR-V in India sometime this year. The compact SUV has already been spotted on test in the country. The spied vehicle was the Indonesian spec.
If brought to India, this generation of the WR-V will borrow its platform and powertrain from the Amaze sold here. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine paired with manual and automatic transmission options. This will be a volume-oriented product and will compete with the likes of Nexon, Brezza, Venue and Sonet here.
Honda will launch its first electric SUV in India this year. It will be the production form of the Honda 0 Series prototype shown at CES previously. It will be underpinned by a dedicated EV platform and will be based on Honda’s “Thin, Light, Wise” design philosophy. It will have a futuristic design and a tech-heavy cabin. The production-spec 0 SUV will also be brought as a CBU import. It will therefore have a premium pricing.
The 0 SUV is expected to use a larger battery pack (likely in the range of 80kWh to 90kWh), with a claimed range of around 480km per charge. Both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions are likely to be offered. Powering the vehicle will be Honda’s ASIMO OS.