Honda ZR-V Hybrid SUV Getting Ready For India Launch
The Japanese automotive giant Honda has been struggling in India for a long time. Even after launching the Elevate mid-size SUV, it has not been able to make any significant impact on the Indian automotive market. So, in order to increase its sales, the company is now planning to bring in the ZR-V mid-size SUV to the Indian market. For those who may not be aware, the ZR-V sits below the CR-V in Honda’s SUV lineup and will compete with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and others.
Honda ZR-V: Coming to India?
As per the reports, Honda is considering bringing the ZR-V to India by the end of 2025 or early 2026. However, before you get your hopes high, please note that the decision to bring this Creta rival has not been finalized as of yet. Also, what will be interesting is that the company does not plan to locally produce this SUV in India.
Rather, it is planning to bring it as a CBU (completely built unit) in India. The direct impact of this would be that it will accumulate a lot of import duties and make it a lot more expensive than its rivals. Prior to this, Honda also had plans to bring in the HR-V mid-size SUV as well. However, as pricing did not make sense, it was later canceled.
Honda ZR-V: Details
The internationally sold Honda ZR-V, which is coming to India, is based on the latest generation Honda Civic platform. It measures 4,568 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and its height is 1,611 mm. As for the wheelbase, it is 2,655 mm. The ground clearance of this SUV is 126 mm. Dimensionally, it is slightly longer and wider than the Hyundai Creta and other rivals.
Now, coming to the exterior design of this SUV. It looks very modern yet classy. At the front, it boasts an octagonal grille with vertical slats and a blue and chrome Honda logo, which signifies its hybrid origin. Apart from this, it also gets sleek LED headlights with L-shaped LED DRLs.
Its front bumper is also very sharp and features a diamond design on the lower middle section. Coming to the side profile, the ZR-V does not feature any bold body lines. Rather, it has a very smoothly flowing design with a decently high window line and large ORVMs.
The ZR-V also features uniquely designed 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. As for the rear-end design, this SUV comes with clear taillights, a simple tailgate, a twin-exit exhaust, and a silver skid plate.
Interior Design
Now, coming to the interior of the ZR-V, it gets a very modern yet sporty design. Its main highlight is a 12.3-inch freestanding touchscreen infotainment system in the center, and it also gets sleek AC vents underneath it. There are three rotary knobs that control the automatic climate control, and the center console also gets a unique design. The ZR-V also comes with a sporty-looking multifunction steering wheel, a digital instrument gauge cluster, and metal pedals.
Honda ZR-V: Powertrain Options
Honda is planning to offer the ZR-V in India with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. It will come paired with an electric CVT gearbox and will provide a power of 180 bhp. This engine will also get hybrid assist and offer all-wheel-drive capabilities. Apart from this motor, Honda also offers the ZR-V in the international markets with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, which comes mated with a CVT gearbox.