Japanese automaker Honda Cars India is gearing up to introduce its new flagship SUV, the Honda ZR-V e:HEV, in the Indian market on May 22. The premium hybrid SUV will be brought to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), positioning it above the existing Honda Elevate in the company’s domestic portfolio.
The upcoming ZR-V marks Honda’s renewed focus on the premium SUV segment in India and is expected to serve as a halo product for the brand. Reports suggest the SUV could be priced in the ₹40 lakh to ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom) range due to import duties associated with the CBU route.
Globally, the ZR-V is positioned between the HR-V and CR-V and is underpinned by the same platform as the latest-generation Civic. The India-spec model is expected to feature Honda’s strong-hybrid e:HEV powertrain, pairing a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with dual electric motors and an e-CVT automatic transmission. International-spec models produce around 184 PS from the electric motor and 315 Nm of torque.
In terms of styling, the ZR-V adopts a more premium crossover design language with sleek LED lighting, a large gloss-black grille, sporty alloy wheels, and coupe-inspired proportions. The cabin is likely to feature a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, and connected car technology.
Safety is also expected to be a major highlight, with Honda likely to equip the SUV with its Honda Sensing ADAS suite. Features could include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition.
The launch of the ZR-V comes at a time when hybrid SUVs are steadily gaining traction in India amid rising fuel prices and increasing demand for fuel-efficient premium vehicles. The SUV is expected to rival models such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq, and Nissan X-Trail in the premium SUV space.
Honda is also expected to unveil the facelifted versions of the Honda City and Honda City e:HEV alongside the ZR-V on May 22, making it one of the company’s biggest product announcements in recent years.