CARVERSAL

Honda India has followed an aggressive strategy towards the Indian auto market, planning to launch a number of new models over the next few years. Honda has already laid out its vision for the next seven years, highlighting five new models that it will be developing to meet various customer tastes.

Of these, three are projected to be important models: a subcompact SUV, the Honda Elevate EV, and the Honda ZR-V. These will come in multiple powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and normal petrol engines, in order to cover Honda's ground in as many segments as possible.

Honda Elevate EV: Shaping Honda's Electric Future

The Honda Elevate EV will be the brand's foray into India's electric SUV market. India will be the initial market to get the Elevate EV, with further rollout in other markets.

Aspired to have a battery pack between 50kWh and 60kWh, the Elevate EV would have a front-mounted electric motor, promising around 500 km of driving per charge.

With this, the car stands well-chanced as a participant in the fast-expanding electric SUV market. Its design would separate it from its conventional EV counterpart by adapting EV-oriented designs to boost efficiency and aerodynamics.

As far as competition is concerned, the Elevate EV will compete with the Maruti e-Vitara, Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv EV, and Mahindra BE 6. With the expected price bracket of INR 20–26 lakh, the Elevate EV will aim to find a balance between affordability and green technology.

Also Read: SAY Good Bye to Toyota Other SUVs! Say Hello to Mini Fortuner!

Honda ZR-V: The Hybrid Mid-Size SUV

Another eagerly awaited model to join Honda's portfolio is the Honda ZR-V hybrid that has been unveiled to Honda dealers recently. Since the mid-size SUV is based on the global-selling HR-V, Honda's new e:HEV hybrid technology will be used.

The ZR-V gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor. The petrol engine produces 141 bhp and 186 Nm of torque on its own. However, when combined with the electric motor, the output rises to 180 bhp with a massive torque figure of 315 Nm.

The vehicle will only take 8 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h, and the top speed will be approximately 172 km/h. While having its performance aspects, the ZR-V hybrid is also likely to have a great fuel economy of approximately 26 km/l, thereby becoming the customers' choice for power and economy.

The ZR-V, being an SUV, will find its position in the mid-size premium SUV segment, where competition already exists from Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, and Tata Harrier.

It features some of its premium amenities, such as dual-zone climate control, a 9-inch touchscreen entertainment system, Bose 12-speaker audio, and Honda's Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

Honda 7-Seater SUV: Increasing Family-Friendly Options

Honda has also unveiled plans to introduce a three-row, seven-seater SUV in India. The product, internally code-named PF2, will be offered in petrol and hybrid powertrains.

The petrol version is rumored to utilize the 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine of the Honda Elevate, producing 121 bhp and 145 Nm of torque. The company is likely to provide a hybrid model, which is also based on the Honda City hybrid, with better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

This three-row SUV will concentrate on optimizing interior space and comfort for large families and travelers wanting a flexible car for long distances. Transmission models should feature a six-speed manual and a seven-speed CVT automatic.

Next-Generation Honda City: A Meaningful Upgrade

Honda's legendary City sedan is also going through a major overhaul with its next-gen model. The new Honda City will be based on the same platform as the seven-seater SUV (PF2) and will receive significant design and feature overhauls while keeping its rugged 1.5-litre petrol and hybrid powertrains.

The Honda City has been the benchmark of comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency for decades. The new generation model will be riding on these strengths with the latest technology, improved safety, and smoother driving dynamics. This will make the Honda City one of the sought-after cars among buyers seeking a premium but fuel-efficient vehicle.

Honda Subcompact SUV: Foraying into the Competitive Sub-4 Metre Segment

In an effort to grab the extremely competitive subcompact SUV market, Honda is working on a new model derived from the PF2 platform that is set to roll out in India soon. The SUV is expected to inherit styling cues and features from the Elevate and will be an attractive proposition for customers looking for a compact yet capable SUV.

The subcompact SUV's new model is poised to be run by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that's naturally aspirated, providing balanced performance and economy. Honda sees this model as a no-frills yet practical option among the emerging sub-4 meter SUV segment.

Conclusion

Honda India's upcoming product portfolio envisions the company's long-term plan of addressing diversified customer needs via hybrid, electric, and gasoline motor cars.

As Honda modernizes and improves to accommodate new market needs, its new-generation models will take it far in establishing a place in India's automotive space.

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