GaadiWaadi –
Under serious pressure from fierce competition in other global markets, Honda to strengthen efforts in India with new strategic models
Since the discontinuation of the Jazz and WR-V in 2023, Honda has not had a single product in India’s so-called ‘sub-4 metre’ segment, which is the biggest in terms of sales volume. The Japanese automaker today confirmed plans to re-enter this segment with an SUV as early as 2028.
At its FY2026 financial results conference on Thursday, Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s Director, President, and Representative Executive Officer, said that the company will change its product development approach in India. The Japanese automaker will increase its focus on factors like climate conditions, vehicle usage, customer preferences, and government policies moving forward.
“In 2028, we will begin introducing strategic models tailored to the Indian market, seeking optimal balance of performance and price to satisfy customers in India,” Mibe said at the conference. Speaking further, he revealed a plan to make a comeback in the sub-4 metre segment. “More specifically, we’ll launch our strategic models in two categories: vehicles under 4 metres in length, the largest volume segment, and mid-size category,” Mibe said at the conference”, Mibe said.
Also Read: 2026 Honda City Facelift Spotted Undisguised Ahead Of Launch
Unlike the WR-V, the new sub-4 metre SUV from Honda should have a proper SUV character. Like the Elevate, it should feature upright front and rear fascias and have a high ground clearance. This would allow Honda to distinguish its offering from popular models such as the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. The upcoming Renault Bridger and Mahindra Vision.S concept’s production version could be its more direct rivals.
Honda could offer its sub-4 metre SUV with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and also a CNG variant of the same. This would allow the company to make its product appealing to a wider band of customers, especially in Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Availability of a hybrid variant, at least initially, seems unlikely.
Also Read: Honda ZR-V Hybrid Arriving This Month In India; Key Details We Know So Far
Before the sub-4 metre SUV, Honda will launch four new premium cars in India. On 22 May, the company will roll out a second facelift for the fifth-generation City and launch the ZR-V as well. The latter, globally positioned below the CR-V, will be a CBU import from Japan. In the second half of the year, the company will introduce a facelift for the Elevate and launch the Prelude, which will also be a CBU import from Japan. In Q1 2027, Honda plans to launch a locally manufactured electric mid-size SUV derived from the 0 α concept.
The post Honda Compact SUV Confirmed For India, To Be Priced Under Rs. 10 Lakh? appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com – Latest Car & Bike News by Team GaadiWaadi.