Honda India Expanding SUV Lineup with 7-Seater, ZR-V Hybrid, and Elevate EV

Honda India is launching a number of exciting new SUVs, a 7-seater SUV, ZR-V Hybrid, and an Elevate EV. All these upcoming vehicles are part of the company's overall strategy to enhance its position in the highly competitive Indian SUV market. The company aims to provide more variety for the conventional as well as environment-conscious customers. Take a closer look at each model:

Honda 7-Seater

Honda will introduce a 7-seater SUV in India by 2027. This will be the first mass-market model under this new PF2 platform for Honda. PF2 will be a flexible platform and will be compatible with the electric powertrain as well as the internal combustion engine and therefore can accommodate virtually all forms of future updates. This 7-seater would be built upon the very close collaboration of Honda's R&D teams both from Japan and Thailand, besides those from India.

It will reportedly borrow the engine from Honda Elevate and will be a 7-seater SUV. Honda 7-Seater is expected to get engine, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, churning around 121 bhp and 145 Nm of torque. The company could add the hybrid powertrain variant like the one seen in the Honda City, thereby increasing the chances for good power output as well as fuel efficiency. It will be launched with a 6-speed manual, along with a 7-step CVT automatic gearbox. This new seven-seater, positioned above the Elevate in the Honda lineup, will offer space and more equipment for bigger families. Its production will begin in October 2027. It will go on sale sometime later in that year.

Honda ZR-V Hybrid

Honda's another new thrilling model, recently revealed to dealers is the Honda ZR-V Hybrid. Honda India describes the brand new mid-size SUV as the variant of already available in Europe and US globally, HR-V. The engine is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol with Honda's e:HEV hybrid technology. The motor produces power of 141 bhp and torque of 186 Nm but the electric motor takes the maximum power up to 180 bhp along with max torque of 315 Nm. With these parameters, ZR-V Hybrid accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 8 seconds. Also, the top speed has been achieved at 172 km/h. According to Honda, it's pretty efficient and provides mileage up to 26 kmpl. This might be one of the best for the customers in its class, as the size and features place it on the same level as other premium mid-sized SUVs such as the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, or Tata Harrier.

It will be packed with features like dual-zone climate control, ADAS, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system coupled with a Bose sound system and 12 speakers. There will be even a power tailgate and includes a kick sensor along with auto dimming IRVM and front and rear parking sensors. Honda hasn't confirmed whether it would introduce the ZR-V Hybrid in India.

Honda Elevate EV

Honda Elevate EV will be the first all-electric SUV of brand to reach Indian roads. This electric Elevate SUV would be constructed on a heavily modified version of the same platform it shares with the petrol version. Elevate EV is expected to be launched in 2026 or 2027 and will apparently be part of Honda's Asian Compact Electric (ACE) project. The automobile would first arrive in India followed by international markets as the company adheres to its local manufacturing policy.

The Elevate EV is going to have a 50kWh to 60kWh battery pack, which is accompanied by an electric motor located at the front. With this setup, the range in a single charge is estimated to be about 500 km. The design for the Elevate EV is different from the normal Elevate as some design features are exclusive to electric vehicles.

Competition-wise, it will compete against Maruti e-Vitara, Hyundai Creta EV, Tata Curvv EV, and Mahindra BE 6. The Elevate EV could come in a price range of around Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 26 lakh. Therefore, it will be another addition to the growing market for electric SUVs in India. It will be an eco-friendly option to go around while attempting to be as close to your normal SUV.

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