Upcoming Honda Hybrid Cars and EVs in India

Honda Cars India is preparing a major portfolio transformation to regain its lost market share. The company aims to build a strong presence across electric and hybrid segments. Thanks to the fresh investment in local manufacturing and global platform technologies, the Japanese car manufacturer is looking to introduce a diverse lineup of high-efficiency SUVs and next-generation sedans. 

Here is a detailed look at the four key Honda hybrid and electric vehicles heading to Indian roads. 

1. Honda 0 Alpha

The Honda 0 Alpha will finally mark the brand's official entry into India's mass-market electric vehicle space. It will be based on Honda's Born electric platform (Thin, Light, and Wise Global EV platform). The SUV features a futuristic, minimalist silhouette with sharp character lines, and an aerodynamic fastback stance. 

The new Honda electric SUV will be locally produced at the company's Tapukara facility in Rajasthan for the domestic sales and export markets. It is expected to be offered with two battery packs ranging between 60 kWh and 75 kWh, delivering an estimated real-world driving range of 450 to 500 km. The SUV will also support DC fast charging. 

Interior and Tech: it will come with a high-tech digital cockpit featuring a wide-screen infotainment unit, digital driver's display, connected car telematics, panoramic glass roof and LEVEL 2+ ADAS. 

Launch, Price and Competition: Expected to be launched by the end of this financial year, the Honda 0 ALPHA EV is estimated to be priced between Rs 17 lakh and Rs 23 lakh. It will rival the Hyundai Creta EV, Tata Sierra EV, and Mahindra BE 6. 

2. Honda Sub-4 Meter Compact SUV

Honda is developing an all-new sub-4-meter crossover or SUV designed specifically for urban Indian buyers. Positioned below the Elevate, the upcoming Honda compact SUV will directly rival the established heavyweights like the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue.

Powertrain: it is reported that Honda is in talks with Horse Powertrain to source its new 1.2-litre petrol engine, which will be compatible with CNG and hybrid options. The sub-4 meter SUV is expected to be one of the most fuel-efficient sub-4m SUVs in the market. Honda could also develop a new 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine with a hybrid setup, but this will require huge investment. 

Key Features: it will have an upright SUV stance, high ground clearance, a large floating touchscreen infotainment unit, ventilated front seats, powered driver's seat, electric sunroof, wireless smartphone charging and 6 airbags. The SUV will also get Camera-based advanced driver assistance (ADAS) setup. 

Expected Launch & Price: the new Honda sub-4m SUV is expected to be based on the Indonesian-spec WR-V. It is likely to be launched by 2028 with an estimated price ranging from Rs 8.5 lakh to Rs 13.50 lakh. 

3. Next-gen Honda City

The Honda City has been one of the most popular nameplates, and a benchmark for mid-size sedans in India. The upcoming next-gen City will undergo a radical design and engineering shift. It is expected that the new sedan will draw its design inspiration from the Honda 0 Series concept models. it will adopt a sleeker, coupe-like fastback roofline and a lower, wider road stance. 

Powertrain & Fuel Efficiency: the next-gen City will be packed with an enhanced version of Honda's 1.5-litre e:HEV strong-hybrid system paired with an e-CVT gearbox. The sedan is expected to offer a fuel efficiency of over 28 kmpl. 

Key Details: it will have an enhanced rear-seat legroom, premium acoustic glass insulation, ambient interior lighting, new infotainment and driver's displays, and full Honda Sensing ADAS. 

Launch and Price: We expect the new City to launch somewhere around 2028 with an estimated price of around Rs 12.50 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. 

4. Honda CR-V

Honda is planning to introduce some of its global models, including the CR-V and Civic in the Indian market as fully-imported vehicles in limited numbers. The new-gen CR-V comes with sharper design with prominent honeycomb grille, slim LED headlights and a significantly enlarged footprint for maximum cabin spaciousness. 

Powertrain: It is powered by a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a dual-motor hybrid setup, offering a combined power output of 204hp. The SUV is claimed to offer EV-only city commuting and effortless highway performance with Real Time AWD options. 

Key Features: Leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power tailgate, 12-speaker Bose sound system, 360-degree surround view camera and multi-angle safety suites. 

Expected Launch & Price: we expect the new CR-V to launch via the CBU route by mid-2027, with an estimated pricing around Rs 50 lakh.