The Honda ZR-V, the Japanese automotive giant’s flagship hybrid SUV for India, was recently launched at an ex-showroom price of Rs 47.99 lakh. Deliveries have now commenced, and the first video of the initial customer handover has been shared online. The proud owner, who upgraded from a Honda Amaze, received the country’s first retail unit of this fully imported CBU model.
The first delivery took place in Udaipur, marking a significant milestone as the ZR-V reached Indian roads for the first time. The customer, Dr. Jagdish Kothari, a retired radiologist who previously ran Kothari X-Ray Clinic, expressed pure delight at becoming the first owner in the entire country. He described the vehicle as beautiful both outside and inside, praising its features and overall appeal while noting his long-standing positive experience with Honda.
Dr. Kothari had driven a Honda Amaze for seven to eight years and found it extremely reliable. When the time came to move up, he and his wife decided on a higher-range Honda in the Rs 40-50 lakh segment. They visited the showroom without a specific model in mind and were informed about the upcoming ZR-V. Impressed by its looks, hybrid technology, and features—information based largely on photographs of the Japanese original—they booked the car on 29 May with a Rs 51,000 booking amount. The black-coloured unit arrived a few days before delivery, and the couple completed the full payment in cash, drawing from LIC maturity proceeds and the sale of a plot, without taking any loan.
The on-road price came to approximately Rs 53-54 lakh. Despite the availability of alternatives such as the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda models, MG vehicles, or even entry-level luxury SUVs from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW in a similar budget, the Kotharis did not consider any other brand. Their trust in Honda, built over years of ownership, and the ZR-V’s hybrid powertrain (which runs on both petrol and battery), stylish exterior, and comprehensive features sealed the decision. The claimed efficiency of around 22.8 km per litre further added to its appeal.
Honda staff extended a warm and grand welcome befitting the first customer of an all-new model. The showroom experience was described as excellent, with clear explanations and smooth processes. Service support is expected to be handled locally without issues, given the brand’s established network. The couple plans to visit a Ganesh temple as their first outing in the new SUV—a tradition they follow with every vehicle—and look forward to everyday drives and occasional longer trips.
The Honda ZR-V arrives as a premium, Japan-sourced hybrid SUV with no variants, positioned as a distinctive choice for buyers seeking reliability, refined hybrid performance, and strong road presence. With the first unit now on Indian roads in Udaipur, deliveries have officially begun, offering more customers the chance to experience Honda’s latest flagship offerin
