Honda has long been plotting a comeback in India. A slew of new product launches were planned with clear timelines. This strategy saw major changes after the carmaker recently announced its plans to scrap three electric SUV models. The new roadmap lets hybrids take the centre stage. This story tries to explain Honda’s revised India strategy in 12 images.
Earlier, Honda had announced an ambitious plan of 10 launches by 2030. However, the revised EV strategy has now led to some changes, with the focus now shifting towards hybrids and practical mass-market products.
Honda currently sells five models in India- second-generation Amaze, new Amaze, City, City hybrid (City e:HEV) and Elevate. Going forward, the brand plans to add more hybrids to the lineup, spanning segments and price points. This is a decision that was shaped by the revision in its global EV strategy. So let’s talk about that first.
Honda shocked us by announcing the cancellation of three all-electric products that were supposed to enter production in the not-so-distant future- the 0 series SUV, 0 Series sedan and the Acura RSX. The 0 Series SUV’s production form was, in fact, supposed to be Honda’s first EV in India, expected late this year. Shelving these meant major changes in the India roadmap.
Globally, Honda is navigating a challenging financial situation, which has necessitated the rework in EV strategy. Policy changes in the US, as revealed by teh carmaker, have created an ‘unfavourable impact’ on business. There, the incentives on buying and manufacturing EVs were withdrawn recently. Another key reason is the fierce competition from Chinese players that make life difficult in Asian markets.
The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have further impacted profitability of petrol and hybrid vehicles in the U.S. Moreover, the demand for EVs itself has been slimming out in recent years, globally. Honda fears that all these would result in further losses in the long run, if they move ahead with the project.
The 0 Series had seven planned products, the first of which were the sedan and SUV. The third product, the 0 Alpha SUV has, however, managed to survive and will be brought to India in the coming years. More about that later.
Let’s circle back to the company’s 2026-28 strategy. Funds previously allocated to EVs are now being redirected fully to the development of a new, highly localised, low-cost hybrid systems for markets like India. As for the products, more than five launches can be expected in the future- from mass-market models to fully imported halo cars.
Honda seems to have a solid plan to transition from an electric to a hybrid-focussed strategy. Profitability, it anticipates, will come from hybrids.
In the coming months (more accurately 2026-27), Honda Cars India Ltd. is expected to launch six products, including its first electric vehicle. These will be the Elevate hybrid, City facelift, WR-V, ZR-V SUV, Prelude coupe and the 0 Alpha electric SUV.
The Elevate hybrid may be priced in the range of Rs 16-20 lakh. The City facelift is likely to sit in the Rs 12-18 lakh bracket with its prices while the WR-V will have a sub 10- lakh starting price. The ZR-V and Prelude will be both CBU (Completely Built Unit) imports and will likely be priced at around Rs 50 lakh and Rs 80 lakh, respectively. The 0 Alpha electric SUV is projected to have its price in the ballpark of Rs 20 lakh. (All prices ex-showroom)
Let’s now talk about the timelines. From what we know yet, the Prelude coupe will arrive in the first half of 2026. In the second half of this year, we will see the Elevate hybrid, City facelift (the second facelift to the current generation) and the ZR-V launch. The 0 Alpha SUV is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2027. In 2028, we will see the introduction of the next-generation City. Let’s now look at these products in detail.
Expected to be out in the first half of 2026, the Honda Prelude will be a full-import. It will serve as the halo car that Honda needs in India. It will also be the carmaker’s first modern coupe to go on sale here. Powering this two-door-coupe will be a 2.0-litre dual-motor strong hybrid powertrain producing around 200hp and 315Nm. Mated to it will be Honda’s S+ shift system, shared with cars like the Civic Type-R.
The ZR-V will be another halo product, which when launched, will become Honda’s flagship SUV. It will be powered by a 2.0-litre strong hybrid powertrain paired with an e-CVT and could generate around 184 hp. It will have a roomy, modern and tech-packed cabin. Expect it to come with features like Honda’s own ADAS suite, 12-speaker BOSE audio, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit and more.
The outgoing generation of Honda City is set to get its second facelift this year. The update will pump more appeal into it and keep it competitive until the next-generation arrives in 2028. Changes are expected to be largely cosmetic. Honda is likely to move the City’s (exterior) design closer to that of the Civic Type-R. Inside, the colour scheme and material quality are likely to improve. We may also see the addition of features like a 360 degree camera. Powertrains will remain the same- 1.5L iVTEC petrol and strong hybrid.
Also, the next-generation City will be much more advanced. It will use the PF2 platform and have major styling differences and in-cabin improvements.
We expect Honda to launch the Elevate hybrid this year. It will have a slightly different strong hybrid powertrain than the one used in City e:HEV. The 1.5L Atkinson cycle petrol engine will be mated to a lighter battery pack and more energy-dense motors. The overall setup will be less complex and more cost efficient. This will allow the carmaker to price the SUV competitively. The e-CVT transmission will also see major improvements.
This will be Honda’s first mass-market hybrid SUV and will compete with the likes of Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoria, Toyota Hyryder, and the upcoming Duster hybrid. In the future, more mid-size SUV models will get hybrid powertrains.
Another mass-market launch from Honda is expected to be the new WR-V. This sub-compact SUV will compete with the likes of Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza. An Indonesian spec was previously spied testing in India. When brought to our market, it will share the Amaze’s underpinnings, powertrains (1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine) and even some other components.
And finally, the 0 Alpha SUV- the survivor! Honda has confirmed that the 0 Alpha project is well on track and has also begun testing the e-SUV in India. When it enters production, this electric SUV is likely to challenge the Creta Electric, and Mahindra BE6. The 0 Alpha will have a unique styling and tech-packed cabin. It is likely to come with a 65kWh-75 kWh battery pack. The real-world range will likely fall in the 450-500km bracket. Honda will manufacture this EV in India with a high degree of localisation and will thus be able to price it competitively.
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