2015 will be yet another important year for Honda Cars India as it continues to register double-digit growth thanks to new models and product refreshes. Here's what the Japanese car maker has in store next year.
1. New Honda Jazz:
The new Honda Jazz will no doubt be one of Honda's and the industry's major launches next year. The premium hatchback was showcased at the Auto Expo this year, and was also recently spotted in India. With a petrol and a diesel engine in its arsenal, the Jazz will rival segment bigwigs like the Maruti Swift and Hyundai Elite i20 when it goes on sale by April 2015.
2. Honda Amaze and City CNG:
The Honda Amaze CNG was caught on test in India recently, and reports indicate that a launch could take place next year. In Mumbai alone, CNG-powered cars have shot up by 200 percent since 2011, and Honda could offer CNG kits at the OEM level instead of buyers having to rely on local workshops/conversion centers. The City CNG is already on sale in Thailand, and could be launched if customer demand exists.
3. Model year updates for Honda Brio and Amaze:
Honda's entry-level products, the Brio and Amaze, are likely to get model year updates next year. The Brio sold in markets like Thailand now gets features like a rear wiper and washer and a touchscreen infotainment system. The Amaze on the other hand is facing the heat from new launches like the Hyundai Xcent and Tata Zest. Expect both these cars to get enhanced features.
4. New Honda Accord:
Sources in Honda Cars India told Indian Autos Blog that the new Accord will launch in the next financial year. The company is committed on bringing the luxury sedan to India despite unfavorable market conditions (at that price, customer preference has shifted to the SUV segment or entry-level premium segment in the recent years). The Accord will certainly have tough competition in India as VW and Skoda are readying a full model changeover for the Passat and Superb, while Toyota will launch a refreshed Camry next year.
5. Honda CR-V Facelift:
The CR-V, Honda's flagship product in India, will see a mild update next year. Design changes that will be seen include redesigned headlights with LED daytime running lights, a new grille, tweaked bumpers and a new infotainment system. Honda could also explore the possibility of launching the CR-V AT with the CVT gearbox.
