The Civic and ZR-V Could Be Honda India’s Turning Point
Honda, a prominent Japanese brand in India, has seen a dip in popularity over the last decade. Yet, with a diverse global product lineup, the company is well-positioned to regain its standing in the Indian market. This article will explore two specific vehicles highly suited for the Indian demographic.
The first vehicle in this list is the Honda Civic
It might seem odd to launch a sedan when SUVs dominate the market, but there's a significant gap in the 17 to 25 lakh rupee segment. With models like the Octavia and Elantra no longer available, there's currently only one option for potential customers in this price range.
With two engine choices, the Civic could really boost Honda India's lineup. The entry-level 1.5-litre Turbo, likely costing between 17 and 20 lakh rupees, could be a serious competitor to cars like the Virtus GT and Verna 1.5 Turbo. Packing 180 BHP, 240 Nm of torque, and a CVT gearbox, the Civic Turbo would be a fantastic pick for buyers in this segment, and a sweet upgrade for current Honda City owners looking to stick with the brand.
The other engine on offer is a 2-liter naturally aspirated unit, part of the E:HEV series, that is mated to electric motors. This is the bigger brother of the same technology seen on the Honda City. With a combined output of 200 BHP, alongside the efficiency that this setup brings to the table, this vehicle can indeed become a hit in the 20-30 lakh rupee segment.
The ZR-V is another vehicle that presents a strong case for the Indian market and is speculated to be under evaluation for an India launch. Given the global trend towards crossovers, this vehicle has seen significant success in markets like the Middle East, Americas, and Southeast Asia. Observing similar trends in the Indian market, where models like the Seltos and Creta dominate, the ZR-V could carve out a niche above the Elevate. As it is based on the Civic platform, the powertrains could potentially be shared, similar to how VAG utilises common platforms for pairs like the Virtus-Taigun or Kushaq-Slavia.
Feature-loaded cabins, Solid set of engine and gearbox options, aspirational value along with Honda’s peace of mind and service network mean that these two vehicles can actually do well in a market like India, which has very limited options in the 20-30 lakh rupee space. A Honda offering at this price point would be a breath of fresh air given the fact buyers in this segment either have to buy from Indian OEMs or go a segment below to increase their options.
