Honda Is Launching These Two Cars on 22 May in India
Honda is preparing a double launch for India, and one of the two upcoming cars may become the brand’s boldest move in years.
On May 22, 2026, Honda is doing something it has rarely done in India. It is launching two cars on the same day. And one of them has never been sold in this country before.
One of these cars has been on Indian roads for over 25 years. It has survived market shifts, new rivals, and more facelifts than most buyers can count. The other is a car that Honda sells globally but has never brought to India, until now.
Honda City Facelift 2026: India's Most Trusted Sedan Got Refreshed
The Honda City facelift 2026 is the second update the current-generation City has received since it launched in 2020. The last refresh was in 2023. This one is not a ground-up redesign. The next-generation City is not coming until 2028. So think of this as Honda keeping the City sharp until then.
On the outside, expect a revised grille, updated LED headlights, tweaked tail lamps, and new alloy wheels. The side profile stays the same. Inside is where the bigger changes are. A 360-degree camera is expected to finally make it in, along with ventilated front seats and refreshed upholstery. These are features the City has been missing while rivals like the Hyundai Verna have been offering them for a while now.
The engine stays as it is. The 1.5-litre petrol makes 119bhp and pairs with a 6-speed manual or CVT. The hybrid option continues too. Pricing is expected to be close to the current range of ₹12 lakh to ₹20.5 lakh (ex-showroom), with a small hike possible on the top variants.
If you are a City loyalist waiting for a reason to upgrade, the feature additions are real. If you are cross-shopping with the Slavia or Virtus, this facelift closes some of the gap that had opened up.
Honda ZR-V Hybrid Price and Launch in India
Now here is the car most people are not talking about enough.
The Honda ZR-V is a 2.0-litre hybrid SUV that Honda sells across global markets but has never officially brought to India. That changes on May 22. It comes in as a CBU, meaning it is built abroad and imported as a complete unit. That is why the price is where it is: expected between ₹40 lakh and ₹50 lakh ex-showroom.
The ZR-V measures 4,568mm in length and packs 180bhp with 240Nm of torque through an e-CVT. It sits comfortably against the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan in terms of positioning. This is not a mass-market car. It is a statement. Honda is saying: we have a proper premium hybrid SUV, and India deserves to have it.
The catch is the price. At ₹40 lakh plus ex-showroom, the on-road cost will cross ₹46 lakh in most cities. For that money, you are comparing it against some strong options. But a Honda hybrid with this kind of output, at this size, is genuinely new in this space.
Key Note
If you are looking at a sedan under ₹20 lakh, wait for the official Honda City facelift 2026 pricing before making any decision. The feature updates are real and the City still has one of the best hybrid drivetrains in this segment.
If you are a premium SUV buyer currently eyeing the Kodiaq or the VW Tayron, add the ZR-V to your list. Official specs and confirmed pricing land on May 22. That is the moment to judge it properly.
Two cars. One day. Honda has not had a launch event this significant in India in a long time.
About the Author
Bharat Rana shares practical insights on cars, ownership, and the latest updates to help readers make informed decisions.