‘Sport On’: Honda announces new automotive rollouts, marking a promising year ahead

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) recently announced the launch of the New Honda City and the India premiere of its Global Hybrid SUV — the ZR-V e:HEV.

The two models arrive as ‘Two Sporty Icons’ created for customers seeking premium styling, sporty dynamic performance, advanced technology and refined driving experience. 

The launch also marked a significant milestone for Honda in India with the introduction of Honda ZR-V – a globally acclaimed premium Hybrid SUV now making its debut in the Indian market.

The new Honda City continues its legacy with enhanced sporty styling, modern sophistication, enriched interiors with new features and Honda’s signature engaging driving dynamics.

The model will be available in both petrol and e:HEV Strong Hybrid variants, offering customers a choice between Refined Petrol Performance and Advanced Electrified Mobility. 

The Honda ZR-V is the company’s new flagship SUV for the Indian market. Globally recognised for its striking and sophisticated SUV styling, fuel efficiency and premium craftsmanship, the ZR-V comes with Honda’s advanced 2.0L e:HEV Sports Hybrid powertrain, making it one of the most advanced and sporty hybrid SUVs in the premium SUV segment, according to a company release.  

The model has reportedly received strong success in global markets with cumulative sales exceeding 8 lakh units since 2022 and is targeted at discerning Indian customers seeking a distinct and aspirational SUV experience. 

Commenting on the launch, Takashi Nakajima, President-CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd said: “Today’s event marks the beginning of HCIL’s new phase of accelerated growth in the market. India is among the top three focus markets to realize Honda’s future growth, which will be driven by a strong pipeline of new products and our efforts to achieve cost competitiveness. This year is a landmark year for us with six strategic launches that will sharpen our competitive edge and reinforce our brand position in the market. The launch of the new Honda City and the India premiere of our globally acclaimed Honda ZR-V represent Honda’s commitment to bringing sporty, premium, and technologically advanced products to Indian customers.”

Product highlights as per official release

• Longest sedan in the segment with an overall length of 4594 mm (+11 mm versus previous model)
• All new front face featuring sharper and sporty design with new Blade Eye Signature LED Lighting System featuring Bi-LED projector headlamps, Front Grille Connected Centre Light Bar and Integrated split LED DRL with Turn Signal
• New wide stance aerodynamic bumper with air curtain, new Signature Matrix-Mesh Black Painted Front Upper Grille and new placement position of H Logo.
• Striking sporty rear design featuring distinct signature Z-Edge wrap LED tail lamps with clear lens, new Signature Matrix-Mesh Lower Bumper Garnish and Sporty Trunk Lip Spoiler.
• New sporty R16 Dual Tone (Berlina Black and Dark-Clear Cut) Aero Blade Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
• Six colour options with addition of new ‘Crystal Black Pearl’ to Honda City’s existing colour palette.
• Luxurious Ivory and Black Two-Tone interiors featuring a larger 25.6 cm (10.1 inch) Floating Touchscreen Display Audio with Wireless Smartphone Connectivity, new stylish Dark Iron 3D Pattern Garnish with Welcome Ambient Light for an enhanced cabin experience.
• Enhanced convenience and comfort with 360-degree Multi View camera, newly designed Active Front Ventilated Seats and USB-C charging ports in front and rear.
• Host of active and passive advanced safety features including Honda SENSING Intelligent ADAS technology — Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow* (in e:HEV only), Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Lead Car Departure Notification System, and Auto High-Beam.
• Two Powertrain choices — Honda’s original Self-charging Two Motor Strong Hybrid e:HEV system with e-CVT delivering Combined Max Power of 126 PS power, Max Torque of 253 Nm at 0 – 3000 rpm and fuel efficiency of 27.26* kmpl, while seamlessly switching between EV, Hybrid and Engine drive modes.
• Pure Petrol 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC engine with VTC paired with a 6-speed MT or 7-speed CVT, delivering a balance of sporty performance and fuel efficiency with Maximum Power of 121 PS at 6600 rpm, and Maximum Torque of 145 Nm at 4300 rpm.
• Fuel efficiency of 17.77 kmpl for MT and 17.97 kmpl for CVT.
• City Petrol available in four grades — SV, V, ZX and ZX+ in MT, and V, ZX and ZX+ grades in CVT transmission.
• The City e:HEV comes in ZX+ grade.
• Three-year unlimited kilometres standard warranty, extended warranty upto seven years with unlimited kilometres, anytime warranty upto 10 year/120,000 km from the date of purchase.
• Additionally, e:HEV variant comes with a standard 8-year/160,000 km (whichever is earlier) warranty on Lithium ion battery and newly introduced 5-year/100,000 km (whichever is earlier) warranty on Hybrid System components.