8 Upcoming Honda Cars: ZR-V Hybrid To Sub-4 Meter SUV
Over the last few years, the market share of Japanese automaker Honda has only been going down. This is due to the lack of competitive offerings in the limited segments in which it currently has cars. However, things will be changing in the coming months as Honda is gearing up to launch 8 new models in India. Today, we will be sharing all the details of these upcoming Honda cars.
The first highly anticipated model will be the facelifted version of the City sedan. It will be launched on May 22, and recently this updated sedan was spotted completely undisguised ahead of its official debut. The new City facelift will get a major revision in terms of design. At the front, it will be getting a new fascia with a much wider gloss black grille, new and sleeker LED headlamps, and a redesigned front bumper with vertically stacked fog lamps.
Another major change will be the Honda logo now sitting on the bonnet instead of inside the grille. Apart from the exterior changes, Honda will also be offering more features to make the City more competitive against rivals like the Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia. It is expected to get a new freestanding 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, powered driver seat, and updated ADAS suite.
Powering the City will be the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC petrol engine. This motor is capable of making 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic gearbox. As for the pricing, we can expect it to start from around Rs 12.5 lakh.
Along with the launch of the standard City facelift, Honda will also be launching the updated City Hybrid facelift in India on May 22. In terms of the design, it will remain almost identical to the standard petrol model, with revised bumpers, new alloy wheels, and an updated cabin theme.
However, Honda is expected to offer a few extra premium features, including an electronic parking brake with auto hold function. The biggest highlight of the City Hybrid facelift will be its strong hybrid powertrain, as in the current model.
It will come powered by a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine, which comes paired with two electric motors. In total, this setup produces 126 PS and 253 Nm of torque. This sedan will only get an e-CVT gearbox. Pricing is expected to start around Rs 20.5 lakh.
One of the most important upcoming launches from Honda will be the ZR-V premium SUV. This SUV will also be launching on May 22, and it will become Honda’s new flagship SUV, or the halo product, in India. The company will be bringing this SUV through the CBU route. In terms of design, the ZR-V will get a sporty and muscular appearance. It will include a large gloss black grille, slim LED headlights, sculpted bonnet, and chunky bumpers.
On the inside, the ZR-V will come loaded with premium features. The list will include a 12-speaker Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, powered seats, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Powering the ZR-V will be a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a strong hybrid system and two electric motors. This setup will make 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque. It is believed that Honda could price the ZR-V with a starting price of Rs 40 lakh. Once launched, it will rival the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line, Skoda Kodiaq, and Jeep Meridian in India.
It has been reported that Honda is also preparing to launch the strong hybrid version of the Elevate SUV in India. Currently, the Elevate, despite being a very value-for-money SUV, is struggling against rivals. So, to make it more exciting, Honda is now working on a strong hybrid version of the Elevate. It is expected to launch around the festive season of 2026 along with the facelift of this SUV.
Most likely, the Elevate Hybrid will use the same 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine and dual electric motor setup from the City e:HEV. The company is reportedly also working on a lighter and more affordable hybrid system for India. The new Elevate Hybrid is expected to offer around 26 kmpl mileage and offer a range of around 1000 km on a single full tank. Pricing of this SUV is expected to be around Rs 19 to 22 lakh.
Honda is also planning to launch the legendary Prelude in India. The Prelude has made its global return after almost two decades, and Honda is reportedly planning to launch it in India through the CBU route. The new-generation Prelude gets a sporty two-door coupe design with a 2+2 seating layout and futuristic exterior styling. As for the powertrain, it will come equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors.
The petrol engine alone will make 139 PS and 182 Nm, meanwhile, the electric motors will produce 189 PS and 315 Nm. One of the most unique highlights of the Prelude will be its S+ Shift technology, which will simulate an 8-speed gearbox for a more engaging driving experience. The Prelude will perform a sprint of 0 to 100 kmph in 8.2 seconds and will have a top speed of 188 kmph. It is expected to be priced around Rs 75 lakh in India.
Honda is also developing an all-new electric SUV, which will be the 0 Alpha EV for India. This EV will be manufactured in India and exported to international markets. The SUV concept has already been shown, and it is currently undergoing real-world testing across India. This SUV features a futuristic design with integrated digital lighting, illuminated Honda logo, aerodynamic alloy wheels, and a full-width rear LED light bar.
The new Honda EV is expected to come with either a 60 kWh or a 70 kWh battery pack, and initially, it will get a single-motor front-wheel-drive setup. The 0 Alpha EV is expected to start at Rs 18 lakh and go up to Rs 24 lakh. Most likely, it will be launched by the end of this year or by early 2027.
Honda has also officially confirmed that it is developing a brand-new compact SUV for India, which will rival the Hyundai Creta. This SUV is expected to launch by 2028, and it will become one of the most important products for the company in India.
Currently, the Honda Elevate is not selling as strongly as its rivals in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. The new SUV is expected to focus on fuel efficiency, hybrid technology, features, and safety. Most likely, Honda will position it as an Elevate replacement. It will take on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, and many others.
Last on this list is a new SUV which Honda has confirmed. This SUV will be a sub-4-metre SUV which will be launched in India by 2028. This upcoming SUV will rival the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Mahindra XUV 3XO.
The sub-4m SUV segment is currently one of the biggest volume-generating segments in India. And Honda desperately needs a strong product in this segment. The upcoming SUV is expected to offer bold SUV styling, feature-loaded cabin, safety features, and competitive pricing