At the global debut of Elevate mid-sized SUV, Honda Cars India has confirmed to launch an all-new electric SUV in the country in the next 3 years. Moreover, the Japanese brand has announced to launch a total of 5 new SUVs including the Elevate in our market by 2030. The company will launch the new Elevate SUV during festive season, while bookings will commence in July 2023.
Honda has confirmed that the new electric SUV will be based on the new Elevate SUV and will be launched by 2025-26. The Elevate will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, VW Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq. Its electric iteration will challenge the MG ZS EV and the upcoming Creta based EV. Moreover, Maruti Suzuki will also launch the EVX concept based electric SUV in the late 2024.
Honda is yet to reveal the details about the future SUVs; however, we believe that the company could launch a new sub-4 meter SUV as the next-gen WR-V in 2024. This model is already on sale in Indonesia and could be a good option for the price sensitive INdian market. The new WR-V is based on the 4th gen City platform that also underpins the Amaze sub-4 meter sedan. Honda is also working on the next-gen Amaze, which is reportedly to be launched sometime in 2024.
Honda could bring back the CR-V nameplate as a CBU or CKD unit. The new-gen CR-V has recently made its global debut and is longer and wider than the previous model. The new model is available in 5 and 7-seat layout and offered with petrol and strong hybrid powertrain. The company has also confirmed that it will go completely electric in India as well as globally by 2040. Honda could also introduce more electric SUVs in our market.
The new Honda Elevate mid-sized SUV is based on the 5th gen City platform. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 121PS and 145Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic. The hybrid version could join at a later stage. The new model will come with an all-new interior, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment screen and a 7-inch TFT driver display. It will also receive ADAS tech with features like adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, auto high beam, lane keep assist and others.
