Honda is launching a bold new product offensive in India this year with four models. The pricing is strategically wide, starting around 12 lakh rupees (ex-showroom) and going potentially as high as around 75 lakh rupees (ex-showroom). This move aims to make a strong impact across multiple market segments at once.
Feeling the pressure from serious competition in its key markets, Honda has decided on a pivotal shift in strategy. The company is now placing an intense focus on India, aiming to unlock new growth in this vibrant market.
Looking at their ambitious plan from an industry perspective, they’ve lined up ten launches this decade, a clear statement of intent. Notably, they are planning to conduct four of these critical introductions within this very year, demonstrating an urgent and focused commitment to regaining momentum.
Honda Prelude
Positioned as a compact sports coupe, the Honda Prelude directly competes with rivals like the BMW 2 Series Coupe. In India, we usually get the latter only in its intense full-blown M variant. From my experience, where the Bimmer focuses on sheer performance and driving pleasure, the Prelude distinguishes itself by prioritizing sophisticated style and refined comfort, offering a different kind of appeal.
The Honda Prelude hybrid model pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 104 kW (139 hp) and 182 Nm of torque with an electric motor that develops 135 kW (181 hp) and 315 Nm of torque. This efficient hybrid system delivers a fuel economy of up to 23.6 km/l (WLTC). However, as it will be imported as a CBU from Japan, the pricing is expected to be steep, around 75 lakh rupees (ex-showroom).
New Honda Elevate
The Honda Elevate needs a serious boost. Even when it arrived in 2023, many felt it was less appealing than its key rivals. This year, the competition is getting intense with a slew of all-new models like the Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, Nissan Tekton, new Skoda Kushaq, and new VW Taigun. To counter this, Honda plans to roll out a facelift in the second half of the year to make it more competitive.
Based on typical mid-cycle refresh patterns, the Elevate is expected to get redesigned bumpers and grilles, along with tweaked headlamp and tail lamp graphics. It should also sport new 17-inch alloy wheels. More importantly, Honda may introduce compelling new features to finally turn heads, potentially including a panoramic sunroof, a 360º camera system, and ventilated front seats with electric adjustment on the driver’s side. Notably, no major mechanical changes are expected as part of this update, focusing the effort squarely on aesthetics and tech.
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New Honda City
Honda fans in India waiting for the next-gen City will need to be patient, as a launch isn’t expected until mid-2028. To keep the current model competitive and remain relevant in the segment in the meantime, the company has a stopgap plan. Later this year, they will bring a second facelift. From what we typically see, this update will focus on aesthetics.
For the exterior, expect minor changes like refreshed new grilles, new 16-inch alloy wheels, and additional new paint options. Inside, the Interior changes will likely be limited to new upholstery and revised trim. Crucially, to manage costs and complexity, there won’t be any changes to the proven engine or transmissions with this refresh.
Honda ZR-V
Positioned as the company’s new global entry in the hotly contested C-segment, the Honda ZR-V is an SUV slotted just below the larger CR-V. In terms of size, it measures 4,570 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, sitting on a 2,655 mm wheelbase.
While Honda manufactures the ZR-V in both petrol and petrol-electric hybrid variants, they will strategically offer only the latter in India. This isn’t a new unit; the company uses the same hybrid powertrain found in the Prelude. Naturally, this proven system delivers a slightly lower fuel economy in the heavier SUV–up to 22.1 km/l as per WLTC testing. Given its premium positioning and the decision to import it as a CBU from Japan, the expected price lands around 50 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it as a tech-focused alternative in its class.
