4 Upcoming Honda SUVs: Elevate Hybrid To Zero Alpha EV
Honda, like Renault and Nissan, has been relatively dormant in the Indian market for a long time. Competition is growing rapidly, and Honda seems to be realising this now. Unlike international markets, Honda does not even have a strong lineup of cars in India.
In order to survive in this fast-growing market, Honda is now planning to introduce new and updated products. Here is a list of SUVs that Honda plans to launch as part of its new strategy.
Honda has been working on a facelift for its only SUV in India, the Elevate, for some time now. The model is not only expected to receive a minor facelift but will also get a hybrid version, similar to the City sedan.
Honda initially had plans to launch the Elevate as an EV, but due to various reasons, the plan was shelved. The company is now focusing on hybrid technology instead.
The Honda Elevate Hybrid will largely retain the same exterior design as the current model, with minor changes to the front and rear. It may also come with additional features compared to the existing version.
Coming to the hybrid technology, Honda is reportedly working on a more affordable, efficient, and lightweight system. It remains to be seen whether the Elevate will get this new setup or continue with the existing 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with the hybrid system seen in the City.
Honda is also planning to bring in a few CBU models, and the ZR-V will be one of them. It is a premium SUV positioned below the CR-V.
The model recently received an update internationally and is now offered only with a hybrid powertrain. It is expected to be launched in India sometime later this year and will likely serve as Honda’s flagship SUV in the market.
It comes with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with an e-CVT gearbox. The hybrid version sold internationally produces 141 PS and 182 Nm of torque from the combustion engine, while the electric motor generates 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque.
As a flagship offering, Honda is expected to equip it with premium features such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Google Assistant integration, Honda Sensing (ADAS suite), a 12-speaker Bose sound system, multi-zone climate control, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, USB ports, an auto-dimming frameless IRVM, an electric gear selector, multiple drive modes, and more.
Along with facelifts and CBU models, Honda is also working on a new platform called PF2. It is a modular, hybrid-compatible architecture that will underpin future Honda vehicles. One of the first models to use this platform will be a seven-seater SUV.
This SUV is expected to be heavily localised, which should help Honda keep costs in check. It is also likely to be offered with a hybrid powertrain, making it an efficient option in the segment.
The upcoming seven-seater SUV is expected to compete with models like the Hyundai Alcazar, the upcoming Renault Boreal, and possibly even the Mahindra XUV700.
Honda is also working on an electric SUV, currently known as the 0 Alpha. The company recently flagged off a test mule for trials on Indian roads.
Like most EVs, the 0 Alpha is expected to feature a futuristic front-end design with a boxy silhouette that clearly identifies it as an electric vehicle.
This EV is expected to come with two battery pack options - 65 kWh and 75 kWh. It could offer a real-world driving range of around 450 to 500 km. Currently, Honda’s EV is undergoing testing in different parts of the country.