Honda is preparing to expand its SUV portfolio in India with a new sub-4-metre compact SUV. The Japanese automaker has indicated that it plans to focus more strongly on models developed specifically for the Indian market, with the upcoming SUV expected to play an important role in this strategy.

Honda Cars India has outlined plans to introduce 10 new models in India by 2030, with a particular focus on the compact and mid-size SUV segments.

The new compact SUV is expected to arrive by 2028 and will enter one of India's most competitive car segments.

New Honda SUV to Take on Brezza, Venue and Nexon

Once launched, Honda's upcoming SUV is expected to compete with popular models including:

• Maruti Suzuki Brezza

• Hyundai Venue

• Tata Nexon

• Kia Sonet

• Renault Kiger

• Nissan Magnite

Honda says the new model will be developed with Indian road conditions, customer requirements and local market preferences in mind.

The company is also looking to achieve a better balance between pricing and performance as it expands its India-specific product portfolio.

Why Is This SUV Important for Honda?

Honda's presence in India's small-car and compact-SUV segments has reduced over the years following the discontinuation of models such as the Brio, Jazz and WR-V.

The Amaze currently represents Honda's presence in the sub-4-metre space, but the upcoming SUV would give the company a dedicated product in one of India's fastest-growing vehicle categories.

With consumers increasingly shifting towards SUVs, the new model could become an important part of Honda's future India strategy.

Petrol, Hybrid and Electric Powertrains Could Be Possible

Honda has not yet revealed detailed technical specifications for the upcoming SUV.

Reports suggest the model could be based on Honda's Global Small Car Platform or a new modular architecture.

If the platform supports multiple powertrains, Honda could potentially offer the SUV with different propulsion options, including petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains.

However, Honda has not officially confirmed which engine or powertrain options will be offered when the SUV arrives.

Elevate Facelift Expected Before the New SUV

The compact SUV won't be Honda's only upcoming product for India.

The company is also preparing an updated version of the Elevate SUV. The facelift is expected to receive styling tweaks and additional features rather than a major redesign.

The existing petrol engine is expected to continue, although final specifications will be confirmed closer to the launch.

Honda Alpha EV Could Follow

Honda is also preparing to strengthen its presence in India's electric SUV market.

The company is expected to bring the Honda 0 Alpha electric SUV to India, where it could compete with electric SUVs such as the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Sierra EV and MG ZS EV.

The model would give Honda a dedicated offering in India's growing electric-SUV segment.

Could the Civic and Accord Return to India?

Honda is also reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing some of its global models back to India.

The Civic, Accord and CR-V are among the models that could potentially return, although these plans have not been confirmed as production launches.

If introduced, these vehicles could be imported and potentially offered with hybrid powertrains.

Honda is also considering the Prelude Hybrid, a sporty model that could serve as a premium, image-building product for the brand.

Honda's India Roadmap

Honda's upcoming product strategy suggests a broader push into India's SUV and electrified vehicle segments. The company is expected to focus on products tailored to Indian buyers while expanding its portfolio across different price points.

The upcoming sub-4-metre SUV, expected by 2028, will be particularly significant as Honda takes on established players such as the Brezza, Venue and Nexon in one of India's most competitive automotive segments.