Changing market dynamics in the Indian automobile sector has hurt the Japanese automaker ,Honda ,the most. Apart from facing competition from Hyundai, Tata ,Kia Motors & others ,its product line boasts of just 4 models which too are nearing end of their life cycle. Honda has also announced closure of its Greater Noida facility and will also discontinue models Civic and CRV from its production line.
However, in the midst of these gloomy news, Honda has announced plans for manufacture of at least 4 new cars in India in the coming years.
A) HONDA HR-V HYBRID
This model was recently announced for the Asian, Japanese & the European markets. The same model (in hybrid version), will be launched in India by end of April 21, as a CKD unit. The Indian model will be an upgrade on the Thai model with improved styling, more premium interiors and a strong hybrid power-train.
The new HR-V boasts of a Honda’s e-HEV system comprising of a 1.5 iMMD petrol engine and 2 electric motors., with a combined output of 109 bhp. The fuel average claimed is 26kmpl.The Japanese model with 1.56L ivTEC naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 121 BHP & 145 nm of torque.
B) HONDA CITY HYBRID
Around June July 21 ,the hybrid version of the new gen city sedan is expected to be launched by Honda, at a price of close to Rs 15-18 lakhs. It is powered with the same engine as used in the Thai spec City RS Hybrid, with a 1.5L NA petrol engine and two electric motors. The petrol engine produces 97bhp and 127NM of torque. One of the electric motors works as ISG (Integrated Starter & generator ) and is paired to the petrol engine while the other engine sends power to the front wheels via a single wheel fixed ratio gear box. Thus, the combined power and torque work out to 108bhp and 253 NM respectively.
C) HONDA AMAZE FACELIFT
In line with the WR-V facelift , the updated version of the Amaze Compact is being worked out by Honda. The updated version is expected to get projector headlamps, new grille, revised bumpers and LED tail lights. Engine options are likely to be a 1.2 liters 4 cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol with 80BHP and 110NM torque or a 1.5 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel with 99bhp and 200NM torque. The diesel CVT offers 79bhp and 160NM torque
D) HONDA COMPACT SUV;
Rumour has it that Honda is working on a new sub 4meter SUV based on the new Amaze platform ,to be called as the Honda ZR-V and is likely to be introduced in the first half of 2022,
The Honda ZR V will compete with KIA Sonet, Mahindra XUV 300 ,Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and the Maruti Vitara Brezza. Compared to the Japanese spec model which will be 4.1 mm long, 1.695 mm wide and 1600mm tall, the Indian spec model will be below 4m in length.
The new Honda –ZRV is likely to be powered by a new 1 litre VTEC turbo-charged petrol engine common to the 5th generation City in Thailand And Civic in Europe. The 1litre VTEC engine is capable of producing 129PS of power and 180NM of torque. The City’s unit offers 121bhp and 180NM of torque. Apart from both manual and CVT automatic gearbox options ,it is also likely to feature a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with Honda; s compact hybrid system I,e e-HEV.