Honda has confirmed the launch of new compact SUV and midsize SUV in the Indian market.
Following the discontinuation of the Jazz and WR-V in 2023, Honda was left with no models in the largest compact SUV segment in the Indian market. There was speculation for a long time that the company will launch a new compact SUV in India and now the Japanese company has confirmed that it will return to the segment with a new SUV by 2028.
During the FY2026 financial results conference on Thursday, Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s director, president and representative executive officer, said the company will change its product development approach in India. Going forward, Honda will pay more attention to aspects such as the needs of Indian customers, weather, vehicle usage and government policies.
Mibe said, “In 2028, we will launch strategic models specifically designed for the Indian market, which will have a better balance between performance and price.” He also revealed that Honda will re-enter the sub-4 meter segment. The company will launch new models in two key categories, one in the sub-4 meter length vehicle, which is the largest segment in India, and the other in the mid-size category.
The design of the new Honda sub-4 meter SUV may be stronger than the WR-V. Like the Elevate, it is expected to have a straight front and rear design and more ground clearance. With this, Honda will be able to differentiate its SUV from popular models like Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. The upcoming production model of Renault Bridger and Mahindra Vision.S concept could be its direct rivals.
Honda can offer a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine in its new compact SUV. Along with this, CNG variant can also be introduced. With this, the company will be able to attract more customers in states like Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The possibility of hybrid variant coming in the initial phase is said to be less.
Before this new SUV, Honda will launch 5 new premium cars in India. On May 22, the company will introduce the second facelift of the fifth generation City and will also launch the ZR-V SUV. The ZR-V is positioned below the CR-V in the global market and will be brought to India as a CBU unit from Japan.
Honda will launch the Elevate facelift and Prelude in the second half of the year. The Prelude will also come as a CBU import from Japan. In addition, in the first quarter of 2027, Honda plans to launch a locally produced electric mid-size SUV, which will be based on the 0α concept.