In the fiercely competitive Indian automotive market, Honda has made a bold statement with the launch of its latest offering, the Honda Elevate.
This compact SUV has quickly become a talking point among car enthusiasts and potential buyers alike, thanks to its blend of striking design, advanced features, and Honda’s reputation for reliability. Let’s delve into what makes the Elevate a noteworthy contender in its segment.
Design and Exterior
The Honda Elevate boasts a design that Honda describes as “confident and masculine.” It’s a departure from the more conservative styling of some of Honda’s other models, with a bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a muscular stance that gives it a commanding presence on the road.
The SUV is available in a range of colors, including some eye-catching options like Phoenix Orange Pearl and Obsidian Blue Pearl. For those looking to make an even bolder statement, dual-tone options with a Crystal Black Pearl roof are also available.
The Elevate’s design isn’t just about looks; it’s functional too. The high ground clearance makes it well-suited for Indian road conditions, while the large windows and commanding driving position offer excellent visibility – a crucial factor for navigating busy city streets or winding country roads.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Elevate, and you’re greeted by a cabin that Honda has clearly put a lot of thought into. The interior is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long journeys a comfortable affair.
One of the standout features of the top-spec ZX variant is the new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This is a first for Honda in India, and it’s a significant upgrade from the systems found in other Honda models. The interface is intuitive and responsive, with crisp graphics and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The driver’s cockpit is equally impressive, featuring a part-digital instrument cluster that blends analog and digital displays seamlessly. This setup provides all the necessary information at a glance, enhancing both safety and convenience.
Other notable interior features include:
- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- A single-pane sunroof (though some might wish for a panoramic option)
- Wireless phone charging
- An 8-speaker sound system for an immersive audio experience
However, it’s worth noting that there are a few omissions that some buyers might find disappointing. There’s no ventilation for the front seats, and rear passengers make do with a 12V socket rather than USB ports for charging devices.
Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Elevate is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine with VTC (Variable Timing Control). This powerplant produces a respectable 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque. Buyers have the choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Elevate performs admirably for its class. Honda claims a mileage of 15.31 km/l for the manual variant and an impressive 16.92 km/l for the CVT version. These figures make the Elevate a practical choice for both city commutes and longer highway journeys.
The Elevate’s performance is further enhanced by features like Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Agile Handling Assist, which work together to provide a stable and responsive driving experience.
Safety Features
Safety is clearly a priority for Honda with the Elevate. The SUV comes with an impressive array of safety features, including:
- Six airbags as standard across all variants
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure for improved crash protection
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
One of the most talked-about safety features is the Honda SENSING suite, which brings advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to the compact SUV segment. This includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
- Auto High-Beam
It’s worth noting that the Elevate uses a camera-based system for its ADAS features rather than radar, which may have some limitations in certain conditions.
Another standout feature is the LaneWatch camera, which provides a clear view of the left side of the vehicle when changing lanes or turning, enhancing safety during maneuvers.
Variants and Pricing
The Honda Elevate is available in four main variants: SV, V, VX, and ZX. Prices range from Rs 11.69 lakh for the base SV manual variant to Rs 16.43 lakh for the top-spec ZX CVT variant (all prices ex-showroom, pan-India).
For the 2024 festive season, Honda has also introduced limited-run Apex Editions of the V and VX variants, offering some additional features and styling elements.
The mid-spec V variant is considered by many to be the most value-for-money option, offering a good balance of features and affordability. However, those looking for premium features like the sunroof and larger infotainment screen will need to opt for the higher VX or ZX variants.
Market Position and Competition
The Honda Elevate enters a highly competitive segment, going up against established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, Honda’s brand reputation and the Elevate’s impressive feature set have helped it carve out a niche for itself.
In its first few months on the market, the Elevate has shown strong sales performance, indicating that it has struck a chord with Indian buyers. Its combination of stylish design, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features make it a compelling option for those in the market for a compact SUV.
Future Outlook
Honda has shown its commitment to the Indian market with the launch of the Elevate. The company is offering a 10-year anytime warranty on the vehicle, which is a strong statement of confidence in its product and should provide peace of mind to buyers.
Looking ahead, there are rumors of Honda considering an electric version of the Elevate, which would align with the industry’s shift towards electrification. While no official announcements have been made, such a move would certainly help Honda stay competitive in an evolving market.
Conclusion – Honda Elevate SUV
The Honda Elevate represents a significant step forward for Honda in the compact SUV segment. It combines the brand’s reputation for reliability with a fresh design language and advanced features that today’s buyers expect. While it may not be revolutionary in any single aspect, it’s a well-rounded package that ticks most of the boxes for what people look for in a compact SUV.
Its strengths lie in its comfortable and well-appointed interior, impressive safety features including ADAS, and the trust that comes with the Honda badge. The few shortcomings, such as the lack of a panoramic sunroof or ventilated seats, are unlikely to be deal-breakers for most buyers.
As the automotive landscape in India continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on safety, technology, and efficiency, the Honda Elevate seems well-positioned to meet these changing demands. Whether it can dethrone the segment leaders remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Elevate has certainly elevated Honda’s game in the compact SUV market.
For potential buyers, the Elevate offers a compelling blend of style, comfort, and technology. It’s a vehicle that’s as comfortable navigating city streets as it is cruising on highways, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. With its competitive pricing and Honda’s extensive service network, the Elevate is likely to find favor with both first-time SUV buyers and those looking to upgrade from their current vehicles.
In the end, the Honda Elevate is more than just another entry in the crowded compact SUV segment. It’s a statement of intent from Honda, showcasing their ability to create a vehicle that meets the diverse needs of the Indian market while pushing the boundaries of what buyers can expect in this price range. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Elevate stands as a testament to Honda’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.