In line with evolving market dynamics, Honda Cars India will have a balanced portfolio of ICE, hybrids and electric cars
As electrification goals have been pushed back, OEMs are realigning their strategies in terms of powertrain options. Honda Cars India is following a similar approach, wherein ICE models will continue to play a key role. However, Honda will also step up focus on hybrids and pure electrics. Honda has set 2040 as the date for a fully electrified portfolio that will have EVs and fuel cell cars.
3 upcoming Honda cars for India – Elevate-based EV by FY27
Honda Cars India President and CEO, Takuya Tsumura, has stated that India is an important market for the company. There are plans to introduce three new models by FY 2026-27. One of these will be an EV based on the Elevate. It will be Honda’s first fully electric offering for the Indian market.
As of now, Honda’s India portfolio comprises Amaze, City and Elevate. Amaze was recently introduced in its 3rd-gen avatar, priced in the range of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10.90 lakh. New Amaze looks promising with an extended equipment list and first-in-segment ADAS package.
For its upcoming cars, Honda is developing a new modular platform, codenamed PF2. It will be heavily localized to reduce costs. It is expected to support multiple powertrain options including ICE, hybrids and EVs. With the new versatile platform, Honda may not have an immediate need for a dedicated EV platform. This approach is quite different from other OEMs such as Mahindra, Hyundai and Maruti that have already developed their respective born-electric platforms.
New Honda 7-seater SUV
While the Elevate-based EV is in progress, details about the other 2 upcoming Honda models have not been revealed. One of these could be a new 7-seater SUV. It is likely to be the first vehicle to be based on the new PF2 platform. Honda design and development teams in Japan and Thailand are leading this project. A lot of inputs are coming from India, which is expected to be one of the key markets for this new 7-seater SUV.
Honda’s new 7-seater SUV will be positioned above the Elevate in the company’s lineup. It could use the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, as currently seen with the Elevate. Honda can also introduce a strong-hybrid version of this engine for the top variants of the new 7-seater SUV.
Other upcoming Honda cars
At the time of Elevate SUV launch last year, Honda had stated that they will introduce five new SUVs by 2030. One of these is expected to be a sub-4m SUV. It will take on rivals such as Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, XUV3XO, Skoda Kylaq and upcoming Volkswagen Tera. Honda’s new sub-4m SUV is expected to be built on the new PF2 platform.
Another upcoming Honda model will be a new EV based on the PF2 platform. It will be Honda’s second EV for India after Elevate EV. Launch is expected in 2029. Honda will be using the PF2 platform for the new-gen City sedan as well. To ensure a fresh new look, the new Honda City will get some major exterior updates. Launch is expected in 2028.
