Honda unveils new City, debuts hybrid SUV ZR-V in India as part of six-launch growth push

Honda Cars India on Friday launched the new-generation Honda City sedan and marked the India debut of its global hybrid SUV, the all-new ZR-V e:HEV, as the Japanese automaker outlined an aggressive product-led strategy to strengthen its position in the domestic passenger vehicle market.

The company said 2026 would be a “landmark year” with six strategic launches planned for the Indian market as it seeks to accelerate growth through new products, premium positioning and hybrid technology adoption. 

The refreshed Honda City has been launched at an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 11.99 lakh for the petrol manual variant, going up to ₹20.99 lakh for the strong hybrid e:HEV trim.

Meanwhile, the all-new ZR-V hybrid SUV, which will be imported from Japan as a completely built unit (CBU), has opened bookings ahead of deliveries scheduled to begin from July 2026.

“India is among the top three focus markets to realise Honda’s future growth which will be driven by a strong pipeline of new products and our efforts to achieve cost competitiveness,” said Takashi Nakajima, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd.

Honda sharpens hybrid strategy

The new Honda City will continue to be offered with both petrol and strong hybrid powertrains. The e:HEV version delivers a combined power output of 126 PS and peak torque of 253 Nm, while offering a claimed fuel efficiency of 27.26 kmpl. 

The petrol-powered 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine generates 121 PS and comes paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed CVT gearbox, with fuel efficiency figures of up to 17.97 kmpl. 

The sedan gets a redesigned exterior, updated LED lighting system, larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display, ventilated front seats and Honda SENSING ADAS features including collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. 

ZR-V to anchor premium SUV ambitions

With the ZR-V, Honda is entering the premium hybrid SUV segment more aggressively. The SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain producing 184 PS and 315 Nm torque, alongside a claimed fuel economy of 22.79 kmpl. 

Globally, Honda said cumulative sales of the ZR-V have crossed 8 lakh units since 2022. 

The SUV features a 12-speaker Bose sound system, 10.2-inch fully digital TFT instrument cluster, panoramic cabin lighting, powered seats and Honda SENSING safety technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and collision mitigation braking. 

Honda said the ZR-V would be positioned as its flagship SUV in India, targeting buyers seeking premium styling, electrified mobility and advanced technology features.