In the late 1990s, Honda entered the Indian market by forging a joint venture with the Shriram Group, culminating in the inception of Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. Operations commenced in 1997, solidifying Honda's position as one of the early international automakers to explore the rapidly growing Indian automotive sector. Since then, Honda has crafted a remarkable legacy in India, stemming from its pioneering efforts in the late 1990s.
Throughout its presence in the Indian market, Honda has introduced a diverse range of successful models. Amongst these, the Honda City (first launched in 1998), the Honda Civic, the Honda Amaze, and the Honda Jazz stand out as particularly popular cars. The Honda City, in particular, has had a transformative impact on the company, solidifying its position as one of the best-selling sedans in India. The unwavering success of these models has played a pivotal role in shaping and upholding Honda's enduring legacy in the country.
Honda City (1998-2023)
Since its inception in 1998, Honda City has left a profound and lasting impact on India's automotive landscape. As one of the pioneering premium sedans introduced in the Indian market, it had set new benchmarks in design, performance, and features. With its winning combination of style, comfort, and reliability, the Honda City quickly became a beloved choice among Indian consumers. Its iconic design language has evolved over the years, ensuring it remains fresh and appealing to buyers.
Back in 1998, Honda Cars India ventured into the Indian market with a daring move - the introduction of the City, a premium sedan, in a market largely dominated by small cars. This decision was indeed a risk, given the strong competition posed by well-established rivals such as Maruti Esteem, Daewoo Cielo, Hyundai Accent, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Escort, and Opel Astra, all of which have now become part of automotive history. However, after twenty-five years, the fruits of this gamble are apparent as the Honda City's success story shines through.
The Honda City's reputation for build quality, refined engines, and superior driving dynamics has earned the unwavering trust of Indian consumers, fostering long-term brand loyalty. Its aspirational value and well-rounded driving experience have made it a sought-after sedan, maintaining its popularity and desirability over the years. The Honda City's enduring legacy in India stands as a testament to its continued success and timeless appeal in the hearts of Indian car buyers.
The Honda City, a sedan that has not only stood the test of time but flourished, has firmly established itself as a standout performer in the Indian automotive industry. Its remarkable success is evident from the sale of over 4.5 million units across 80 countries. However, it is in India where the City has truly found its stride, with a staggering 28% of its Asia Oceania sales happening in the country. The City's triumphant journey in India underscores its significant impact and widespread popularity among Indian car buyers to date.
Read Also: Hyundai Exter: A Perfect Micro-SUV
Honda Civic (2006-2021)
Throughout its global journey, the Honda Civic has showcased remarkable versatility, assuming various forms including a compact hatchback, a high-powered sedan, a street-smart performance car, a favourite choice for tuners and drag racers, an elegant executive sedan, and an exhilarating hot hatch. With a presence in the automotive world since 1972, the Civic made its way to India in 2006 as the 8th generation model, introducing the Indian market to an executive sedan in a segment that was relatively less prominent. However, the Civic proved to be anything but ordinary, breaking the mould of conventional sedans and captivating the imagination of the Indian audience. Its uniqueness resonated with car enthusiasts, quickly turning it into a sensation and building a devoted fanbase over the subsequent years.
In the Indian automotive market, the Honda Civic has played a crucial role in elevating the brand's image, cementing Honda's reputation as a trustworthy provider of top-tier, dependable, and technologically advanced premium vehicles. The car's re-entry in 2019 with a new generation model served to strengthen its position as a highly regarded and desirable sedan. The Honda Civic’s true hype solely revolved around its design and overall proportions that stole the spotlight. Fans were enamoured with its low-slung, sharp, angular, and aerodynamic appearance, making it an ideal canvas for tuning enthusiasts. The stock looks were phenomenal, but many enthusiasts took it a step further, adorning the Civic with body kits like the Mugen RR to achieve that coveted Japanese domestic market vibe.
The Civic's customization journey began with larger wheels and a lowering kit, pushing the already hunkered-down ride even closer to the ground. Sitting inside the Civic felt akin to being in a high-end sports car, thanks to its low seating position. The Honda Civic in India became more than just a car; it transformed into a symbol of passion and artistic expression for its dedicated community of fans and tuners.
Honda Jazz (2009-2023)
Since its introduction in 2009, Jazz quickly gained popularity for its practicality, versatility, and fuel efficiency. Known for its spacious interior and clever design, the Jazz became a go-to choice for urban drivers and small families looking for a reliable and comfortable hatchback.
Throughout its existence, the Honda Jazz has undergone constant updates and enhancements to cater to the ever-changing preferences of Indian consumers. Its seamless handling, spirited performance, and exceptional safety features have solidified its standing as a strong contender in its segment. Beyond its utilitarian qualities, the Jazz's contemporary and sporty design has resonated with the youth and the young-at-heart, transforming it into an emblem of style and uniqueness, gaining immense popularity among trend-conscious purchasers.
Moreover, the Honda Jazz has also garnered immense popularity among car enthusiasts in India, particularly for its customization potential. As one of the top hatchbacks, it effortlessly meets all criteria for personalization, offering a plethora of modification options to create a distinctive and race-ready appearance. Among its captivating features, the resounding exhaust thud stands out as a major attraction, captivating people's hearts and making it a beloved choice among customization enthusiasts.
Honda Amaze (2013-2023)
The Honda Amaze's legacy in India is one of being a dependable and well-loved car that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of Indian car enthusiasts. With its blend of practicality, reliability, and affordability, the 2023 Amaze has rightfully earned its place as a significant player in India's automotive market. The Honda Amaze's versatility extends to its ability to navigate through the bustling city streets and long highway drives with ease, making it an all-rounder that suits various driving conditions.
The all-new Honda Amaze stands out as one of the most premium-looking sedans in its segment. Its stylish fascia, chrome grille, and broad headlamps exude elegance. The interior follows suit, featuring a dual-tone finish, a spacious cabin, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With its ample boot space of 420 litres, the Amaze offers practicality and comfort for both passengers and cargo. Overall, the Honda Amaze impresses with its premium design and features, setting it apart from its competitors.
Honda cars in India have earned a reputation for their unparalleled reliability, and the Amaze continues this tradition flawlessly. With its sturdy build quality, dependable powertrain, and impeccable fit and finish, the Amaze is designed to endure for years to come. Owners of the Honda Amaze experience a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that they can rely on the extensive service network spread across India. The BS6 petrol and diesel engines offer exceptional fuel efficiency, making the Amaze a preferred choice for thousands of Indian families. Its ever-growing family, surpassing 3.9 lakhs since inception, continues to welcome over 5,000 new members each month.
Upcoming Honda Elevate
In addition to these models, the company is eager to launch its first compact SUV, the Elevate in India. The new model is set to create a new wave of sales for the company and fill a noticeable gap in their lineup. While the design of the Honda Elevate may lean towards conservatism, and its features list might not be the most extensive, it remains a strong and competitive contender in the compact SUV market.
The all-new Honda Elevate, despite sharing the same platform as the Honda City, has been meticulously designed and engineered from scratch to meet the specific expectations of buyers seeking an SUV in India. While it does share many key components with the City, including the petrol powertrain, steering, and suspension geometry, these elements have been carefully tuned and adapted for optimal performance in the Elevate. Moreover, the inclusion of camera-based Level 2 ADAS features, even in manual gearbox variants, is a smart move that will enhance the Elevate appeal among buyers looking for more advanced features.
The 2023 Honda Elevate represents Honda's strongest attempt yet to venture into and capture a significant portion of the compact SUV segment. While the Elevate is an impressive package on its own, Honda's ultimate challenge lies in pricing it competitively within the ?10 lakh to ?18 lakh range. This segment is currently flooded with numerous options, and for Honda to succeed, they need to ensure that the Elevate stands out as an attractive and value-for-money proposition.
Read Also: Top 5 Features of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
