- Honda has introduced its flagship ZR-V hybrid SUV in India, while Maruti Suzuki has updated the Brezza with a new turbo-petrol engine.
- Jeep has marked its 85th anniversary with a limited-run special edition of the Meridian, alongside a new AI voice assistant.
Honda enters the premium SUV space with the ZR-V
Honda has launched the ZR-V in India at an introductory price of Rs 48 lakh, ex-showroom. The SUV now sits right at the top of the brand's lineup and arrives fully imported from Japan through the CBU route. Rather than following the boxy look of typical rivals, the ZR-V leans into a crossover-style silhouette.
Key exterior highlights include: - - Slim LED headlamps paired with a vertically slatted grille - 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels - Roof-mounted spoiler and dual exhaust tips with a silver finish - 4 exterior shades to choose from
A hybrid setup built for efficiency
Under the bonnet sits a strong-hybrid arrangement pairing a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a pair of electric motors, sending power to the front wheels through an e-CVT gearbox. Combined output stands at 184hp, with Honda quoting a claimed fuel efficiency figure of over 22.8kpl.
Given its pricing, the ZR-V finds itself up against established names such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron. Demand has already outpaced supply, with reports suggesting the first 2 shipment batches allotted for India have already been snapped up, with interest running highest out of Maharashtra.
Maruti Suzuki refreshes the Brezza with a new engine
The 2nd-generation Brezza has picked up its first major update since launch, and the changes go beyond skin deep. Priced from Rs 7.40 lakh, ex-showroom, the compact SUV keeps its familiar silhouette but adds a mildly revised front end, gold grille inserts and a fresh alloy wheel design.
New features on the inside include:
- A larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Ventilated front seats
- An air purifier
- Physical buttons for climate control, replacing touch-based ones
- More power from a familiar engine
The bigger story lies under the skin. The Brezza now runs a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine tuned to produce 108bhp and 170Nm, a notable step up over the same unit used in the Fronx. It continues to rival cars like the Tata Punch, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO in a segment that remains fiercely contested.
Jeep celebrates 85 years with a Meridian special edition
To mark its 85th anniversary, Jeep has rolled out a strictly limited Meridian edition, restricted to just 85 units for the entire country and priced at Rs 36.05 lakh, ex-showroom.
Built on the range-topping Overland trim, the special edition adds:
- Gloss-black alloy wheels
- Anniversary decals on the doors and tailgate
- A black cabin theme with gold accents
Mechanically, nothing changes, with the SUV retaining its 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 168bhp, paired with a 9-speed automatic and an optional 4-wheel-drive system
Alongside the special edition, Jeep has also introduced its CARA AI voice assistant across the Meridian lineup, enabling voice commands for navigation, music and select vehicle functions in over 50 languages. This addition has nudged the standard Meridian's starting price up slightly to Rs 30.45 lakh.