Honda India To Import Prelude, ZR-V And 0 SUV As Brand Builders

Honda Cars India Ltd is preparing a fresh product strategy to rebuild its premium image and the company plans to bring three important global models to support this push. As part of a wider 10 model rollout planned for the second half of this decade, the brand will import the revived Prelude hybrid coupe, the ZR-V hybrid crossover and the all-electric 0 SUV. These cars will arrive between 2026 and 2027 and are expected to serve as halo products that highlight Honda’s global engineering strengths

Why Honda India To Import Prelude, ZR-V And 0 SUV As Brand Builders

Honda wants to move upmarket again after spending many years focused on lower segments. For a long time, the brand had a clear premium ladder with the CR-V and Accord at the top, the Civic in the middle and the City as the entry point. That structure made the brand aspirational

However, as models like the Amaze, Brio, BR-V, Jazz and WR-V came in, the focus shifted downward. Over time, this diluted Honda’s image and pushed the company into mostly mass-market territory. Slow investment, growing competition and a sharper focus on profitability also led Honda to cut several models and even close the Greater Noida factory. As a result the Civic and CR-V exited India, leaving the brand with fewer premium offerings

Honda now accepts that it needs strong halo products again, even if they sell in small numbers. This is where the Prelude, ZR-V and 0 SUV fit into the plan

Honda Prelude Hybrid Coupe (Launch: First Half of 2026)

The Prelude is the most emotional model among the upcoming imports. This name holds strong recall among enthusiasts who remember the car from the ’80s and ’90s. The new version will return as a 200hp, 2.0-liter, front-wheel-drive hybrid coupe with simulated gear shifts

Honda is already finalizing E20 fuel compatibility and the right tyre setup for India. After these checks, the coupe will arrive in limited units and will become Honda’s first two-door model for the Indian market

Even though the Prelude brings back a beloved badge, it is not a high-performance car like the Civic Type R sold overseas. This limits how much “halo pull” it can create. Enthusiasts will enjoy it, but it may not capture attention beyond a small community. With an estimated price of around ₹80 lakh, its reach will naturally remain narrow

Honda ZR-V Hybrid (Launch: End-2026)

The ZR-V is expected to be the most usable and practical model among the three imports. Globally, it sits below the CR-V and leans more toward a premium crossover than a large SUV. Under the hood, the ZR-V is likely to come with a 180hp, 2.0-liter hybrid engine, an e-CVT and possibly all-wheel drive

Although the package is solid, the expected pricing of ₹50 lakh to ₹60 lakh means Honda must position it carefully. There is a risk that buyers may see it as a premium crossover priced too high for its segment. Still, the ZR-V will help Honda showcase its hybrid skills, an area where the brand is considered a global leader

Honda 0 SUV (Launch: Mid-2027)

The all-electric Honda 0 SUV will sit at the top of the imported lineup. This SUV is built on Honda’s new 0 Series EV platform, a major shift from the brand’s current electric products. The 0 SUV has a clean, modern design that looks closer to a concept car than a traditional production model

The smaller 0 Alpha SUV will be made in India starting in 2027, while the larger 0 SUV will come as a full import. It will act as Honda’s technology showcase for India

Official details are still hidden, but early expectations point to 80kWh to 100kWh battery options and a real-world range of nearly 500km. With pricing likely above ₹80 lakh, the 0 SUV will sit firmly in luxury EV territory. More importantly, it will introduce Honda’s next-generation software and battery systems, something Indian buyers have not seen from Honda in a long time

Why Consistency Is Key For Future Growth

Bringing in premium global models is only the first step for Honda. The brand must show steady commitment instead of offering occasional imported products. Indian customers want consistency, clear long-term planning and strong support for the models they buy

If Honda wants Indian buyers to reconnect with the brand the way they once did, these new halo imports must be part of a sustained strategy, not isolated launches. The Prelude, ZR-V and 0 SUV will help start the process, but keeping that momentum alive will be just as important