honda Concept
Honda Cars India has confirmed plans to introduce a sub-4m SUV and the all-electric 0 Alpha as part of its upcoming product portfolio. The manufacturer intends to have more than 10 products in India by 2030 with additional SUVs positioned in different segments. The two confirmed models will arrive in succession – starting with its first electric SUV for India based on the 0 Alpha concept in 2027. The company will also introduce its next-gen hybrid technology in locally.
The compact category is an apparent opportunity for Honda to take on the likes of Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, etc. Kunal Behl, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Honda Cars India, confirmed in an interview that the manufacturer looks to introduce SUVs on both sides of the threshold of four metres.
The company’s electrification plans extend to a new hybrid system which will make its global debut in 2027 before reaching India. The technology will join Honda’s existing strong hybrid lineup led by the City. Petrol engines will also feature in future products with Honda set to concentrate on SUVs and sedans as opposed to returning to the hatchback category.
The Honda 0 Alpha will be developed specifically for India and will measure more than four metres in length as it will sit in the sub-4m class. The model will not be an electric derivative of the Elevate which currently is Honda’s only midsize SUV offering. The Japanese manufacturer has selected its Tapukara facility in Rajasthan for production with the electric SUV also scheduled to reach global markets including Japan.
The arrival of the electric SUV will also see Honda establish charging support for its discerning customers. The company considers access to public charging infrastructure and residential charging facilities essential for its BEV assignment. We expect the five-seater to boast a range of well over 500 km between charges.
Its product expansion will extend through the remainder of the decade as more models come into the range while global CBUs and CKDs cannot be ruled out either as Honda fancies sales across different price points.
