Honda Cars At Auto Expo 2018 - New Amaze, CR-V, Civic & More

New Honda Amaze

Honda took the wraps off the second-generation Amaze at the event revealing a stunning new design up front along with new features and new CVT gearbox. The new Amaze has gone through an extensive makeover with regards to its exterior. The all-new Honda Amaze takes inspiration from its elder sibling, the Honda City. The new Amaze headlamps are angled, and the enhanced bumper gives the sedan a pointed look.

On the inside, the new Honda Amaze interiors are more significant than the previous model and borrow the Honda City's steering wheel, while the new tablet-like infotainment system highlights the centre console. Mechanically, the new Amaze continues to draw power from the 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel engine.

While the former produces 87bhp and 109Nm of torque, the latter develops 98bhp and 200Nm of torque. The change is in the gearbox options, while the new Honda Amaze retains the 5-speed manual gearbox, Honda has now equipped the sedan with a CVT gearbox option.

Expected Launch Date: Mid-2018

Expected Price: Rs 5.70 lakh

New Honda CR-V

Honda showcased the latest-generation CR-V at Auto Expo 2018, making its debut in the Indian market. The new CR-V showcased for India gets a 7-seater layout and new diesel engine option and is expected to be launched by mid-2018. Visually, the Honda CR-V is not radically different from the previous model.

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V will continue to be offered with the current 2.4-litre petrol engine which produces 181bhp and 240Nm of torque and comes mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. New for the India-spec CR-V is the 1.6-litre twin-turbo diesel engine option. The diesel unit develops 158bhp and 350Nm of torque and comes paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The new Honda CR-V SUV's diesel engine is produced at Honda's Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, which should keep costs down.

Expected Launch Date: Late-2018

Expected Price: Rs 22 lakh-Rs 24 lakh

Honda Civic

The 10th generation Honda Civic was showcased at Auto Expo 2018, which sees the sedan making a return to India. Unlike the previous model which was sold in India, the new Honda Civic's design is quite aggressive with its large chrome grille flanked by LED headlights.

The new Civic sold in the international market gets a host of engine options including three kinds of petrol engines: turbocharged 1.0-litre, 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. The sedan also receives a 1.6-litre diesel unit. India is expected to receive the new Honda Civic with the 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engine.

While the 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 158bhp and 187Nm of torque mated either to a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox, for the diesel option, the new Civic will be available with the 1.6-litre unit developing 118bhp and 300Nm of torque, which is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Expected Launch Date: Early-2019

Expected Price: Rs 14 lakh-Rs 15 lakh

Honda Sports EV Concept

Apart from production models, Honda also showcased the Sports EV Concept at Auto Expo 2018. The Honda Sports EV Concept is a two-seater sports car and made its global debut at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The Sports EV Concept is based on the dedicated EV platform as the Urban EV Concept. The Honda Sports EV Concept will go into production in 2019 before going on sale in 2020.

Honda has not revealed the Sports EV Concept specifications, though Honda says that the new concept combines EV performance and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The AI monitors driver's reactions, emotions, and also making voice commands more intuitive. Honda says that the Sports EV Concept is powered by ‘a highly responsive' electric powertrain which is located lower in the body to achieve a low centre of gravity.

Thoughts About Auto Expo 2018 Honda Cars

The most significant Honda car at Auto Expo 2018 is undoubtedly the new Amaze. Honda seemed to have understood the Indian car buyers sentiments concerning design. The new Amaze is butch looking and has an excellent road stance. Apart from the new Amaze, Honda has revealed its upcoming cars for India such as the Civic and the CR-V, especially the diesel-powered SUV.

The carmaker also displayed its vision for the future with the Sports EV Concept. The company also showcased the Honda FCV Clarity fuel cell vehicle, which might not make it to India.