Honda Confirms New Compact SUV For India: WR-V Comeback Likely In 2028

Honda Cars India has confirmed plans to introduce a new compact SUV for the Indian market in 2028. This upcoming model is expected to strengthen Honda's presence in one of the most competitive and fastest-growing segments in the country. Based on current speculation, the new SUV could revive the popular Honda WR-V nameplate, which was discontinued in India in 2023.

Honda New Compact SUV Launch in 2028

During its recent global business briefing, Honda outlined its long-term product strategy and confirmed that a new compact SUV is under development specifically for India. The announcement highlights the company's intention to expand its portfolio and regain momentum in the domestic market.

Although Honda already offers the Honda Elevate, the model competes in the larger mid-size SUV segment. The real volume opportunity lies in the sub-4-metre SUV category, where buyers are increasingly drawn to compact dimensions, SUV styling and feature-rich packages.

Honda previously had a strong contender in this space with the WR-V, which was discontinued in 2023 due to stricter emission regulations and declining sales. Since then, competition in the segment has intensified, with models such as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Škoda Kylaq, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Tata Nexon dominating the market.

We expect Honda to reintroduce the WR-V, which is already sold in markets such as Indonesia and Thailand. The new SUV could borrow the proven 1.2-litre petrol engine from the Honda Amaze. There is also a possibility that Honda may offer the more powerful 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine used in international versions of the Honda City and City Hatchback.

Offering multiple engine options would significantly improve the model's competitiveness, as Indian buyers increasingly seek a broader range of choices. Honda is also working on its first locally developed electric vehicle, based on the 0 Series concept, as part of a wider strategy to expand its presence in both conventional and electric vehicle segments.

If launched as expected, Honda's new compact SUV could play a crucial role in the company's resurgence in India and help it re-enter one of the country's most important passenger vehicle categories.