Honda

Honda Ye S7 and Ye P7 UnveiledBoth Honda Ye S7 and Ye P7 are similar where hardware is concerned and are largely the same vehicles, but differ in stylingFirst real-world images of Honda’s newest Ye eSUV lineup for China have been revealed from the stage. These cars were recently unveiled and are expected to go on sale in China by the end of 2024. These vehicles feature an almost identical profile along and interiors while differing in fascia and rear section for unique stylistic propositions.Honda Ye S7 And Ye P7 Real-World Images OutRemember Honda e:NS2 and e:NP2 concept vehicles that Honda showcased at 2023 Shanghai Auto Show? They were supposed to evolve into production-spec models by mid 2024 and launch by the end of 2024. Right on time, Honda has translated e:NS2 and e:NP2 concepts into Ye S7 and Ye P7 electric SUVs respectively.Honda Ye S7 FasciaHonda Ye S7 RearDesign themes from showcased concepts have successfully made it to production-spec vehicles. In this sense, Honda Ye S7 gets a much more sporty design and appeal with arrow-like Y-shaped DRL elements at the front and back. Just like e:NS2 concept. Horizontal slats in lower grill and connecting LED DRL from e:NS2 have made it to Ye S7 as well.Wheels from concept vehicle have made it to production too, which is a 5-spoke design with punched-in-like cut-outs. Instead of ORVMs, we get cameras. Door handles are flush to the body. to increase aerodynamic efficiency. Overall silhouette is quite strong and adheres to tough SUV aesthetics with a slight sloping roofline.Honda Ye P7 FasciaHonda Ye P7 RearWhere Ye S7 positions itself as the sporty offering, Ye P7 appears to be far more sophisticated, mature and premium. While side profile and wheel designs are identical, fascia and rear section differ vastly. Ye P7 sticks to classic Honda design elements with a thick bar connecting the headlights. Just like in e:NP2 concept.Headlights and tail lights get C-shaped LED elements that look nice and premium. Lower grill is a lot more conservative and finished in gloss black. Rear tailgate is different from what we saw in Ye S7 and is less angular and a lot more soothing. Same goes for roof spoiler rear bumper and other attributes. New Honda logo and illuminated HONDA lettering on front fenders were common between the two.Honda Ye S7 profileHonda Ye P7 profileFresh new interiorHonda Ye S7 and Ye P7 have the same interiors but different finishes and colour schemes. While Ye S7 gets white on a light grey colour scheme, Ye P7 gets a darker colour scheme that exudes sportiness. The three-spoke steering wheel gets HONDA lettering in the middle. Overall layout is smart.There are two displays for rear view camera feed – one on each door. The instrument screen is sleek and wide, lending a sportscar vibe, whereas the centre infotainment screen is massive. We like the new design direction that Honda’s interiors are taking. Except for the larger display and fewer buttons, this is a well-thought-out cabin.Honda Ye S7 InteriorHonda Ye P7 InteriorBuilt on W platform, Honda is offering both single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD layouts with batteries from CATL. It has to be noted that Ye S7 is sold by Dongfeng Honda and Ye P7 is sold by GAC Honda. Both are China-only as of now with possibilities to break out of the dragon land in the future.Also read – Honda Amaze scored 2 Stars in GNCAPYe S7 Image source Ye S7 Image source More

New Honda Ye Electric SUV – GTWhile Honda has been late in the EV race, it aims to catch up with plans to launch around 30 new battery-powered models by 2030For global markets, Honda is working on a new 0 (Zero) series of electric cars. These are expected to be launched in 2026. But Honda has entirely different plans for the Chinese market. It’s understandable, as China is the largest EV market in the world.Honda Ye EV range unveiled in ChinaIn Mandarin, ‘Ye’ means ‘shine brilliantly’. Honda’s new Ye EV range introduced in China has P7 and S7 SUVs and a GT Concept sedan. More models will be added to the Ye EV lineup in the coming years. The crossover SUVs are expected to go on sale in China by the end of 2024.New Honda Ye Electric SUVIn comparison, the GT Concept previews a new EV sedan that is expected to be launched by the end of 2025. Honda’s new EVs for China will be manufactured and sold by the company’s local partners – Dongfeng Honda and GAC Honda.Honda P7 and S7 SUVsExcluding the front fascia and rear profile, Honda P7 and S7 SUVs are almost identical. Some of the key highlights include sculpted bonnet, polygonal fenders, flush-type pop-out door handles, blacked-out pillars, side view cameras, raked rear windshield, shark fin antenna and roof mounted spoiler. Even the alloy wheels are the same for P7 and S7 crossover SUVs. Both SUVs get the new Honda logo at front, along with spaced out HONDA lettering at rear.New Honda Ye Electric SUV – P7However, both SUVs have unique styling at front and rear. P7 has a relatively sober design for the front fascia. It has conventional C-shaped elements and similar styled tail lamps. On the other hand, Honda S7 has a quirkier profile. It gets distinctive X-shaped lighting at the front.New Honda Ye Electric SUV – S7At the rear, S7 has H-shaped lighting profile. P7 and S7 have unique front and rear bumpers. The charging port is installed on the front fenders of both SUVs. Inside, Honda P7 and S7 share the same set of equipment. Some of the key highlights include a large touchscreen in portrait format, a digital instrument display and a flattened steering wheel.The SUVs will have AI-based voice control systems. Another interesting feature is illuminated dashboard and door panels that will light up according to specific functions. While hardware specs have not been revealed, it is expected that Honda P7 and S7 will be available in both rear- and all-wheel drive formats.New Honda Ye Electric SUVHonda GT ConceptSpecific features of GT Concept such as the X-shaped lighting at front are similar to that of S7. The same is true for the taillight graphics. Honda GT Concept has a sporty profile, with features such as deep fender air vents. Other exciting features include a split rear windscreen and Formula 1-style rear fog light. Inside, the Honda GT Concept has an opulent red and black colour theme. Users can expect a fully digital experience, with around 6 screens. It includes a unique touch-based gear selector.For the Chinese market, Honda has plans to launch six Ye EV models by 2027. In addition, there will be the e:NP1 and e:NS1. These are China-spec versions of the e:N1. There are two more EVs in the works, but details are not available. It means that Honda will have a total of 10 EVs for China by 2027. Honda also has plans to become an EV-only brand in China by 2035. More

Honda ElevateA BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) based on Elevate SUV is likely to be the first product under Honda Project ACEHonda Cars India has a game plan for launching 5 SUVs by 2030 and the Elevate is first of these offerings. Recent reports mention that the company is developing a new EV which could be based on Elevate’s design and platform. Internally known as Project ACE, this development might mark Honda’s first-ever BEV to Indian market.Honda Project ACE will spawn Elevate EV In 2026The new Elevate enters a segment wherein it will find itself competing with a host of well-established compact SUVs that currently commanding the segment. These include Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor and Citroen C3 Aircross.The electric version of Elevate will compete with Mahindra XUV400, MG ZS EV and upcoming Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta EV and the likes. Reportedly, this new Elevate based EV under Project ACE (Asian Compact Electric) is codenamed DG9D and the company is likely to manufacture it in India and export it globally including markets like Japan.The expected volume for this vehicle might hover around 1 lakh units per year. Majority of that volume might be targeted at global markets, with spare for Indian buyers. At Elevate launch event in Delhi, the company has set forth its roadmap to launch 5 new SUVs by 2030.Honda Elevate DashboardHonda is skipping the hybrid phase that a few other Japanese manufacturers have been holding on to dearly. Instead, Honda will launch BEVs directly, the first of which will be based on ICE-powered Elevate SUV. Launch could happen in 2026 and share many of its components with its ICE cousin and strike an attractive price point.Electric Iteration of Honda Elevate to launch by 2025-26Honda India’s senior management has confirmed that the company’s manufacturing plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan will undergo a retooling process, starting in 2024. The purpose is to accommodate EV production and there may be a bump in production capacity with significant capital investment earmarked for the same.Elevate is a global product too and is set to be exported to multiple nations starting from Japan, where it will be sold as WR-V. Just like ICE Elevate, Honda India is keen on exporting its EV derivative as well. With an increase in production and inclusion of new EVs under Project ACE, company’s exports could double by 2025 when compared to present data.When that happens, international business could account for up to 40% of total Honda Cars India’s sales. More info regarding Project ACE and the EVs falling under it (Including Elevate EV) will be revealed in the coming months.Source More

Honda Prologue E-SUVWhile single motor FWD layout’s performance figures are not revealed, Honda Prologue AWD dual motor version packs 288 bhp and 450 NmAfter unveiling Acura ZDX E-SUV, Honda has taken the wraps off Prologue E-SUV. Like Acura ZDX, Prologue sources its platform from General Motors as well. It features Honda’s new design language similar to Accord sedan. It packs FWD or AWD layouts with around 450 km (280 miles) of range. Bookings in USA will likely go live by the end of 2023, with deliveries in 2024.Honda Prologue E-SUV – Shares platform with GM EVsThis is Honda’s second EV for USA. On paper, it is better than the first. Of course, we’re talking about Honda Clarity EV. With just 89 miles (143 km) range, it didn’t lend enough clarity for buyers to invest in. Now, Honda has sourced General Motors’ scalable Ultium EV platform for both Prologue and Acura ZDX.Honda Prologue is an interesting-looking vehicle, with greater width than height. The black body cladding reduces visual bulk significantly. Couple that with a 4876 mm length and 3093 mm wheelbase, Prologue slightly radiates station wagon appeal. Due to the long wheelbase, there are very short front and rear overhangs. Honda has kept the design neat and simple, radiating understated elegance.In USA, there are three trims on offer – base EX trim, mid-spec Touring and top-spec Elite. While EX and Touring trims get AWD option, Elite gets AWD as standard. There are up to 7 colours on offer, depending on trim levels. Top-spec Elite boasts 21-inch alloy wheels that look swanky. LED headlights, LED DRL and tail light signatures are safe and appealing.Honda Prologue DashboardOn the inside, Honda has given heated and ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat with memory settings, auto-dimming IRVM, perforated leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, HUD, an 11-inch fully digital and configurable digital instrument screen, 11.3-inch infotainment screen, panoramic sunroof and more.Infotainment screen has Google software and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims will bring multiple ADAS features as well. Gear selector is mounted on steering column, lending an uncluttered centre console. Climate control has rotary dials and buttons, which is appreciated. There’s no frunk, but Honda Prologue E-SUV packs a 707L boot, expandable to 1642L.Specs, performance, rangeHonda Prologue E-SUV gets a single-motor FWD layout and 85 kWh battery as standard. Performance figures for FWD layout are still unknown, but similarly specced Chevrolet Equinox EV has 210 bhp and 329 Nm. AWD model with dual motors boasts 288 bhp and 451 Nm. Range is not revealed by Honda yet and around 280 miles (450 km) from a single charge can be speculated.Honda Prologue RearDue to the high voltage architecture, Honda Prologue E-SUV supports fast DC charging up to 155 kW. This way, the car can scoop 65 mile range (104 km) in 10 minutes. That said, an 11.5 kW home charger and a 7.6 kW portable charger are available too. Pricing for Honda Prologue could range between USD 45,000 and USD 60,000 (Rs. 37.42 lakh and Rs. 50 lakh). Prologue is less likely to launch in India. We expect an electrified version of Elevate SUV. More

Honda ElevateHonda Cars India Ltd. revealed that Elevate is the first of the five SUVs for Indian marketThe Japanese brand re-opened its account in SUV space of India by unveiling Elevate compact SUV. At this event, HCIL revealed some key strategies it has on its cards for the Indian market. For starters, Honda Elevate will be on offer in India first and more global markets will follow soon.The company intends to make its Indian manufacturing plants, its export hub. Elevate will be the first of five SUVs planned by Honda. Elevate Electric launch has also been confirmed. This will be Honda’s first fully electric SUV for India and launch will happen within the next three years (by 2026).Honda Plans 5 New SUVsTakuya Tsumura, CEO and President of HCIL, promised a strong product strategy for India. Of these 5 new SUVs, one will be Elevate and second will be an electric SUV based on Elevate. It is not clear as to which will be the other three SUVs.Considering competition launch plans, there could be a smaller entry level SUV to rival the likes of upcoming Punch EV and the Exter EV. While the other could be a mid-size electric SUV, bigger than the Elevate. It will rival the upcoming XUV700 electric and Safari electric.Honda Elevate InfotainmentAlso, Honda intends to bring its global models to India again via CKD or CBU route to fortify its portfolio in the country. As of now, Honda only has Amaze sub 4m sedan and City compact sedan on sale in India.The company will manufacture Elevate at its manufacturing facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. Honda is likely to increase production capacity to incorporate Elevate and upcoming future vehicles. Honda currently has 326 dealerships across 238 cities and all of these dealerships will see an upgrade in customer interface along with Elevate’s launch.Honda’s product positioning with ElevateCompact SUVs are currently one of the highest-selling SUV segments in India with over 36K units sold in April 2023. Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos dominate this segment while Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has entered top 3. This is a highly competitive segment and Honda is betting big in this space with Elevate. Given that India is one of the fastest-growing markets, there is scope for growth. More

New Honda Compact Electric SUVWhile official launch timeline is not available, 2024 Honda e:Ny1 EV is expected to debut in Europe in coming monthsHonda has been rather late in EV segment. However, recent plans show that the Japanese carmaker has stepped up focus to boost its electric portfolio in international markets. But in India, Honda continues to focus on ICE-based and hybrid cars.Honda’s brand-new electric SUV for European market is e:Ny1 compact SUV. It was earlier showcased as e:Ny1 Prototype, which in turn is similar to e:NS1 and e:NP1 twins available in Chinese market. Honda e:Ny1 seems familiar, as the SUV is essentially an electric version of HR-V.New Honda Compact Electric SUV2024 Honda e:Ny1 electric compact SUV detailsAlthough it looks like HR-V, Honda has stated that its new e:Ny1 electric SUV is based on an entirely new e:N Architecture F. It has some unique characteristics, designed to improve drive dynamics. One of the key highlights is a front-drive platform.The e:N Architecture F has three primary USPs – low centre of gravity, a dedicated high rigidity body structure and intelligently designed under-floor aerodynamics. All these features will ensure greater confidence for users while driving the SUV and make journeys a lot more fun and exciting.New Honda Compact Electric SUVThe newly developed chassis for Honda e:Ny1 offers improved torsional rigidity. It has been achieved with the use of high tensile steel, which comprises around 47% of the SUV’s body by weight. Improved torsional rigidity means the vehicle will have better ride quality and the suspension system can work more efficiently. With the new platform and chassis, Honda e:Ny1 is primed to deliver dynamic and refined performance and exceptional comfort.New Honda Compact Electric SUVIn terms of how it differs from HR-V, Honda e:Ny1 Compact Electric SUV has new headlamps, a closed grille and new bumper. The EV also gets a unique set of alloy wheels. Branding elements are also new, as can be seen with the white coloured ‘H’ logo on the charging flap and on the steering wheel. This seems to be a new identity for Honda’s electric cars.Honda follows a similar approach for Type R variants that have the logo in red background. Similarly, Honda hybrid cars have the H logo in blue background. Another unique aspect is new typeface for ‘HONDA’ badging at rear.New Honda Compact Electric SUV2024 Honda e:Ny1 Compact Electric SUV is expected to offer spacious interiors. It will be equipped with a massive 15.1-inch vertically mounted (portrait) touchscreen infotainment system. The screen has a fixed section for AC controls. Honda e:Ny1 also gets a separate instrument console, which seems to be around 10.25 inch in size.Honda e:Ny1 range, specsHonda e:Ny1 electric SUV is equipped with a 68.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The EV has a lightweight three-in-one integrated power drive unit that generates 201 hp of max power and 310 Nm of peak torque. Honda says range of e:Ny1 is 412 km, as per WLTP cycle. With a DC fast charger, Honda e:Ny1 can load up from 10% to 80% in just 45 minutes.New Honda Compact Electric SUVHonda e:Ny1 could be launched in Europe at around £30,000 (approx. INR 30.70 lakh). At this price point, it will compete with rivals such as  Hyundai Kona Electric and Peugeot e-2008. If launched in India, it will rival the likes of the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV, Kia Seltos EV, Tata Curvv EV, etc. More

Both e:NS2 and e:NP2 are likely to get a spec bump over e:NS1 and e:NP1 respectively – More performance and larger battery are likelyNew Honda e:NS2 Electric SUV Concept
Honda has showcased four different electric concepts at Shanghai Auto Show. These are e:N GT, e:N SUV, e:NS2 and e:NP2. Out of the four Honda concepts, e:N GT is a recurring concept vehicle, first showcased a year ago. It is a futuristic four-door electric sedan. There are no visible changes with it when compared to last year’s showcase.
e:N SUV is larger than HR-V based e:NS2 and e:NP2 electric compact SUVs. It is likely to be China-only. And could spawn into a production-spec version by the end of 2024. Production-spec versions of Honda e:NS2 and e:NP2 concept vehicles are the logical successors of e:NS1 and e:NP1 electric SUVs launched last year.
Honda e:N GT Concept
The Two Musketeers Based On HR-V
Before diving into e:NS2 and e:NP2, we have to understand Honda’s compact SUV lineup for China. Just like there are two different CR-Vs sold in China, there are two different HR-Vs too. Unlike the two CR-Vs, both HR-Vs are not HR-V. Guangqi Honda sells North American spec HR-V as ZR-V in China. It doesn’t get any EV versions.
Then there is global HR-V, sold in China as HR-V by Dongfeng Honda. It spawns two different electric versions called e:NS1 and e:NP1 sold by Dongfeng Honda and Guangqi Honda respectively. Also, both these eSUVs are unrelated to Honda Prologue SUV for North America. Phew! Also, whatever happened to car manufacturers using words as names, huh?
Honda e:N Lineup Showcased At Shanghai Auto Show
Primary difference between the two HR-V based EVs is that e:NS1 gets body coloured front charging port cap and e:NP1 gets a gloss black finish. Both of them feature Porsche inspired tail light designs and Mustang Mach-e inspired interior layout. There is a need for design distinctions between the two and Honda is doing just that. e:NS2 and e:NP2 concepts showcased by Honda take different design paths.
When Can We Expect New Honda Electric SUVs To Launch?
e:NS2 gets arrow-like LED elements at the front reminiscent of Peugeots. e:NP2 takes a more sober approach and draws inspiration from US-spec Civic sedan. Both e:NS2 and e:NP2 are likely to get a spec bump as opposed to outgoing e:NS1 and e:NP1. Both eSUVs packed a 53.6 kWh battery in lower variants and a 68.8 kWh battery in top variants.
The 53.6 kWh battery-equipped variants got a 182 bhp and 300 Nm motor and promised a CLTC range of 420 km, while the 68.8 kWh versions got 204 bhp and 310 Nm, a range of 510 km. With both models, battery looked like it was suspended from the platform, which received criticism.
Honda e:N SUV Concept
e:N SUV is larger than both aforementioned eSUVs. Thorough data is not yet available. Both e:N SUV and e:N GT are likely to get production-spec versions by 2025. e:N GT is not likely related to Afeela sub-brand developed by Honda-Sony JV. India launch is not likely to happen anytime soon. More