KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Honda Car India has indirectly denied reports of the Civic Type R launching here.
- The Civic Type R is being phased out globally.
- Honda's next launch in India is likely going to be either the Elevate-based EV or a hybrid SUV.
We can all return to the real world now, the Honda Civic Type R is not coming to India anytime soon, or at all. The Japanese car maker has indirectly confirmed this in a statement that says the Civic Type R does not align with its electrified plans for the Indian market.
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Honda Civic Type R NOT Headed Here; Details
A lot of reports suggested that the Civic Type R will be headed to India sometime this year. However, the Japanese car maker, while not directly commenting on the speculations, has said that it is going forward with its electrification plans in India, which includes an EV based on the Elevate, along with two other SUVs.
The Civic Type R is also being phased out in the European markets, with the car maker releasing an Ultimate Edition to bid it farewell. This could have been an opportunity for Honda to bring the Civic Type R to India to show what it is really capable of; something its two-wheeler division has been doing quite well lately. It could have also been the perfect rival to the Golf GTI. There were also talks of more high-end cars from its global portfolio coming in as CBU models. However, Honda has not commented on those speculations.
As of now, Honda is said to be developing three new SUVs, which will feature some form of electrification. The Elevate-based EV, which is currently said to be under development, and is expected to be launched in 2025. It will then be joined by two more SUVs, which are expected to arrive during the 2026-27 financial year. Out of the two SUVs, we can expect at least one to feature strong hybrid technology.
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Verdict
The Civic Type R could have made for a very good halo car for Honda in India, but the car maker says that it does not align with its future plans. Too bad, because given how enthusiasts have lapped up the Volkswagen Golf GTI, something tells us the Civic Type R would have found fans here too.
