The mid-size SUV soup is boiling with stiff competition. Soon, it will be joined by the Honda Elevate – the Japanese carmaker’s first foray into the segment. The Elevate made its global debut in India, and the SUV will be launched by the festive season this year. Honda has confirmed that the order books will open soon. The Honda Elevate will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor and others. Undoubtedly, the lift has certainly been entrusted with an important function. But will it be successful? Well, here’s what we feel about it in our first static conversation with Elevate.
Watch Video: Honda Elevate First Look Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJsg5OUd_xc
Honda Elevate – Segment-defying looks?
The Honda Elevate has been designed with the notion of keeping things subtle yet classy. Design is underrated for the most part. The nose is flat, and the bonnet is high. The front end includes a large squared-off radiator grille, finished in piano black. The bumper houses triangular fog lamp housing with slim scuff plates. Specifically, there’s some unwanted visual bulk up front. The full-LED headlamp cluster looks slim with a mustache for the LED DRLs. It adds a premium touch to the front end.
Black cladding, squared-off wheel arches, 220mm ground clearance, chunky silver-finish roof rails and a flat profile for the roof give it a distinctive stance. The side profile of the Elevate is attractive, but the chrome-finished door handles get rubberised buttons for request sensors. No, it keeps away from the proximity sensor. Also, the Elevate is 4,312 mm tall and 1,650 mm tall. All this bulk definitely shows in its design. The absence of a quarter glass in the super-thick pillar, however, makes it appear smaller. The design is plain thanks to the 17-inch diamond-cut rims, and a large gap has been left between the arches.
The width of 1,790 mm is evident all around the tail section. The L-shaped wraparound tail lamp looks classy and features reflectors to mimic the connected-style setup. Compared to the front fascia, the rear facade looks more impressive. In fact, it has more cuts and creases than both the front and side profiles of the Elevate. The road presence of the Elevate may play a role in its demand, however, the styling lacks in sharpness.
Honda Elevate – Posh Inside?
The doors of the Honda Elevate closed with a loud thump, which confirms that the build quality is excellent. There is plenty of Honda flavor in the cabin as well. Even though the layout of the dashboard is new, it still feels familiar. Thus, invite mixed opinions. The steering wheel is a direct lift from the City, and so is the climate control panel. In fact, the layers used on the dashboard are inspired by the City. The 7-inch TFT LCD for the instrument cluster comes from Honda’s C-segment saloon. While this may not spread the winds of innovation, all this will help keep costs under control.
Compared to the City, the Elevate gets a new larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless connectivity options. It gets the same L2 ADAS kit as the City, which includes lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more. Security features are taken into account, but convenience is set aside. The Elevate gets a smaller sunroof, and equipment skips over ventilated and power-adjustable seats, 360-degree parking camera, a rear center headrest and more.
Space is plentiful on the Elevate, and it feels very comfortable. Thanks for the used seats here. They felt comfortable and helpful. Also, there is ample legroom, headroom and knee room for four passengers to travel in comfort over the long haul. Boot space is also best-in-class at 458 litres.
Honda Elevate – What’s under the hood?
Powering the Honda Elevate, is the 1.5L 4-cylinder NA petrol powerplant borrowed from the city itself. It produces 121 PS of peak power output against 145 Nm of peak torque. There are two transmission options on offer – 6-speed MT and CVT. The strong-hybrid powertrain is not part of the Elevate’s package. As of now, Honda is expected to introduce a full-electric version of the Elevate in the near future. Compared to segment best-sellers, this type of powertrain brings volume, but those looking to buy powerful turbo-petrol motors, oil burners, or strong-hybrid setups will have to look elsewhere.
Honda Elevate – Price and Launch Date
Expect a starting price of around Rs 11 lakh for the Elevate in the market and a top out of Rs 17 lakh. Honda has the ability to price it aggressively. Whether they do so or not, we will know by Diwali this year, when the Honda Elevate will officially go on sale in the Indian market.