Japanese carmaker Honda has officially confirmed plans to launch a new sub-4-metre SUV for the Indian market in 2028. This will mark the brand’s return to one of the most competitive and fastest growing vehicle segments in the country. The upcoming SUV is expected to take on established rivals like Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and others. The announcement was made during Honda’s latest global business briefing, where the company also outlined its future strategy for the Indian market.Honda’s re-entry into the compact SUV segment will take place in 2023, almost five years after the Honda WR-V was discontinued. The WR-V was eventually phased out due to stricter emissions regulations. Since then, the segment has grown significantly, with manufacturers constantly introducing new features, powertrain options and technology upgrades.Honda currently has a limited presence in the mass passenger vehicle sector, with the Amaze being its only sub-4-metre offering. Honda said it will launch new models in two key categories by 2028: sub-four-metre vehicles and the mid-size segment. The company is also aiming to expand its customer base by targeting buyers upgrading from motorcycles to cars. Honda currently sells around six million motorcycles annually in India and plans to increase its two-wheeler production capacity to around eight million units by 2028.
Honda’s new sub4-metre SUV: what to expect
Although Honda has not yet revealed the detailed specifications of the upcoming SUV, the new model is expected to sit below the Honda Elevate in the brand’s India lineup. Under the hood, Honda may use the familiar 1.2-litre NA petrol engine currently offered with the Honda Amaze. However, with rivals already offering turbo-petrol, CNG and multiple transmission options, Honda may also consider bringing its own 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine to India. This engine is already available in some international markets with the Honda City and City hatchback. Hybrid options cannot be ruled out until the SUV arrives in 2028.
