Honda is Developing Global PF2 Platform for its Future Vehicles

The Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda is currently working on making a global platform, codenamed PF2. Industry reports speculate that India is likely to be Honda's global production hub for the domestic and global automobile markets. 

This PF2 platform will be designed in such a way that it can underpin Honda’s small and mid-size vehicles; be it sedans or SUVs. This platform is expected to be designed to house ICE and electric powertrains because the company still remains unclear about the feasibility of making a dedicated EV platform, especially a ‘skateboard’ version. 

Reconsidering Hybrids

In the Indian mass-market segment, Honda was the first one to make a foray into the hybrid segment. It is worth noting that hybrid vehicles were already there in our country but they commanded a hefty premium, as they were touching the Rs 40 lakh mark or beyond. 

However, the most affordable hybrid car in India was taken by the Honda City Hybrid, which debuted in 2022. It was priced from Rs 19 lakh, onwards. More perplexing was Honda’s decision not to offer a hybrid version of their new SUV, the Elevate, despite witnessing an increased demand for hybrid-based SUVs. 

Unlike the Honda Elevate, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder offer a hybrid-based petrol engine. However, after looking at the market trends and the growing demand for hybrid vehicles, Honda India is considering investing in the localisation of its hybrid engines. Once implemented, the export of low-cost Honda hybrid vehicles is also deemed to see great potential. 

Next Generation Honda City

As mentioned before, there will be several Honda cars that will be based on the new PF2 platform. And, one of them will be the next-generation or sixth-generation Honda City. The new generation is expected to enter the production line by 2028. It is likely to be powered by the existing 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, alongside an optional hybrid-based version. 

All-New Honda 7-Seater SUV

Another vehicle to be based on the new platform is the yet-to-be-named Honda 7-seater (or three-row) SUV. It will be positioned above the Honda Elevate. Honda’s Japan and Thailand R&D centres are leading the design and development of this upcoming 7-seater SUV.

The powertrain options are expected to be the same as the Honda City in India. 

The schedule given to the suppliers, Honda’s three-row SUV will enter the production line in October 2027. 

Honda’s Sub-4 Metre SUV

Several credible reports confirm that Honda is preparing to launch its PF2-based platform sub-four-metre SUV in India. Interestingly, the Elevate SUV was supposed to make its way towards the competitive sub-four-metre SUV market by structuring the vehicle on the Brio’s platform. However, the company foresaw the export potential of the Elevate, which is why they axed their initial plans and switched to making that SUV above four metres.  

But, now the Japanese automaker plans to continue the legacy of their discontinued sub-four-metre SUV, the WR-V, which served the Indian market from 2017 to 2023.  

Honda’s EV in 2029

Firstly, Honda will roll out the all-electric version of the Elevate SUV, which will launch in 2026, followed by the second EV, which is expected to make its India debut in 2029. Unlike the Elevate EV, this second EV will also be based on Honda’s new PF2 platform and the latter is expected to sit below the Elevate. 

Other Highlight

Honda Cars India made an official announcement that they will roll out five new SUVs by 2030 in our country. Those offerings are expected to include both locally-made and CBU vehicles.  

 

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