Honda StepWGN e:HEV – The 7-Seater MPV That Resembles WagonR

For years, the Maruti WagonR has held a unique place in Indian households. Known as the “tall-boy” car, it has earned its reputation as one of the most practical small hatchbacks. However, Honda has taken the tall-boy concept a step further by unveiling the Honda StepWGN e:HEV a full-fledged 7-seater MPV that many believe looks like a stretched version of the Wagonr.

Unveiled at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2025, the StepWGN is now available in Indonesia, creating a buzz across markets, especially in India, where 7-seaters are in growing demand.

Launch and Market Strategy

• Event: Honda presented the StepWGN e:HEV at GIIAS 2025 in Jakarta. The official media preview was held on July 23, followed by a public launch between July 24 and August 3.

• Market Choice: Indonesia was the first ASEAN market to receive the StepWGN due to its strong demand for MPVs. This launch positions Honda strongly against Toyota Innova, Hyundai Stargazer X, and other family cars popular in the region.

• Pre-bookings: Reservations opened on June 18, 2025, with a booking fee of IDR 10 million (approx. ₹61,000).

Quick Summary (Vertical Table)

Pricing and Variants

The Honda StepWGN e:HEV is priced at IDR 629 million, which translates to approximately ₹33 lakh in Indian currency. While this makes it a premium MPV offering in Indonesia, its feature set and hybrid efficiency justify the price tag.

Powertrain and Technology

At the heart of the StepWGN lies Honda’s e:HEV hybrid system, which blends performance with economy:

• Engine: 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine

• Hybrid System: Dual-motor Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD)

• Output: 184 PS of power and 315 Nm of torque

• Driving Modes: EV mode, Hybrid drive, and Engine drive (system automatically switches for efficiency)

This ensures a smooth and powerful drive, while also maintaining fuel economy perfect for city commutes and long family trips.

Exterior Design

The StepWGN carries a boxy and practical design. Its tall-boy stance and extended dimensions remind many of the WagonR but on a much grander scale.

Key highlights:

• Large grille with sharp LED headlamps

• Sliding doors for easy ingress and egress

• Squared-off rear with LED tail lamps

• 16-inch alloy wheels

While the resemblance to WagonR is obvious, the StepWGN is built as a true premium MPV.

Interior and Comfort

One of the strongest selling points of the StepWGN is its spacious and feature-loaded cabin.

• Seating: Three-row, 7-seater configuration

• Second Row: Sliding and reclining seats with extended comfort functions

• Third Row: Foldable seats that can be tucked into the floor for more cargo space

• Luxury Features: Dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, powered sliding doors, winged headrests, and folding tables

Notably, the StepWGN even offers reclining seats with armrests and calf support in the third row something rarely seen in MPVs at this price point.

Safety and Advanced Features

Honda has equipped the StepWGN with Honda Sensing (ADAS suite), which includes:

• Collision mitigation braking

• Adaptive cruise control

• Lane keeping assist

• Road departure mitigation

These features ensure the StepWGN is not only comfortable but also among the safest MPVs in its segment.

The India Question: Will It Launch Here?

This is the big question for Indian buyers. With the rising popularity of 7-seater vehicles like Maruti XL6, Kia Carens, and Toyota Innova Hycross, the StepWGN could be a game-changer in India.

However, Honda has not announced any plans to launch the StepWGN in India. Its India roadmap currently focuses on a new electric vehicle and another 7-seater, but StepWGN is unlikely to arrive soon.

Still, given the increasing demand for family-oriented cars, Honda could reconsider bringing it in the future.

FAQs

1. Is the Honda StepWGN the same as Maruti WagonR?

A. No. The StepWGN is a premium 7-seater MPV, while the WagonR is a small hatchback. Their similarity lies only in the tall-boy stance.

2. What is the price of StepWGN in Indonesia?

A. It is priced at IDR 629 million (approx. ₹33 lakh).

3. How many people can the StepWGN seat?

A. It is a 7-seater MPV with flexible seating arrangements.

4. What makes StepWGN special?

A. It offers features like powered sliding doors, reclining second-row seats, foldable third-row seats, Honda Sensing ADAS, and hybrid efficiency.

5. Will Honda launch StepWGN in India?

A. At present, there are no official plans. Honda’s India roadmap is focused on EVs and another 7-seater model.

Conclusion

The Honda StepWGN e:HEV is a bold entry into the Indonesian MPV market, blending practicality, comfort, and hybrid efficiency. With its WagonR-like stance, flexible cabin, and premium pricing, it appeals to families who prioritize space and technology.

For Indian buyers, it remains a dream for now. But if Honda ever decides to bring the StepWGN here at the right price, it could give tough competition to established players in the 7-seater market.

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