Honda Elevate: In the bustling Indian automotive market, where SUVs reign supreme, Honda has thrown its hat into the ring with the much-anticipated Elevate. This compact SUV isn’t just another entry in a crowded segment; it’s Honda’s bold statement, combining the brand’s renowned engineering prowess with features tailored for the discerning Indian consumer. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Honda Elevate a compelling choice for SUV enthusiasts.
Design: A Fresh Face in the Crowd
The moment you lay eyes on the Elevate, you know it’s a Honda, but with a twist. The design language speaks volumes about Honda’s intention to create a vehicle that stands out without shouting. The front fascia is dominated by a confident, chrome-laden grille that seamlessly integrates with sleek LED headlights. It’s a face that means business, yet has a touch of sophistication.
Moving along the side, strong character lines give the Elevate a sense of motion even when stationary. The raised stance and well-proportioned wheel arches housing stylish alloy wheels (16-inch on lower variants, 17-inch on higher trims) lend it that quintessential SUV look. The rear is equally impressive, with wraparound LED taillights and a sculpted tailgate that completes the modern, urban SUV aesthetic.
But it’s not all about looks. Honda has paid attention to functionality too. The high ground clearance isn’t just for show – it’s perfect for navigating those unexpected potholes or venturing off the beaten path occasionally. The large windows and commanding seating position offer excellent visibility, a boon in crowded city traffic.
Under the Hood: Proven Performance
Pop the hood, and you’ll find Honda’s tried-and-tested 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine. This powerplant, familiar to Honda City owners, has been tuned to deliver a peppy 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque. It’s a gem of an engine, known for its refinement and reliability.
Transmission options cater to different driving preferences. The 6-speed manual gearbox is a joy for those who like to be in control, offering smooth shifts and a light clutch – perfect for city driving. For those who prefer a more relaxed driving experience, the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) option is available. Honda has worked on reducing the “rubber band” effect often associated with CVTs, resulting in a more natural driving feel.
Fuel efficiency, always a crucial factor for Indian buyers, is impressive. The manual variant returns an ARAI-certified 15.31 kmpl, while the CVT goes even further with 16.92 kmpl. In real-world conditions, expect these figures to be slightly lower, but still competitive for the segment.
Interiors: Where Comfort Meets Technology
Step inside the Elevate, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels a class above. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with a nice mix of physical buttons and touch controls. The quality of materials used is top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and sturdy plastics elsewhere.
The seats deserve special mention. They’re well-bolstered and offer good support, making long journeys a breeze. The rear seats are equally comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom. Honda has cleverly sculpted the front seatbacks to maximize knee room for rear passengers.
Storage spaces are aplenty, with large door pockets, a spacious glovebox, and clever cubbyholes scattered around the cabin. The 458-liter boot is one of the largest in its class, easily swallowing weekend luggage or the monthly grocery haul.
Tech-Savvy Features
Honda hasn’t skimped on the technology front. The centerpiece is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (on higher variants) that’s responsive and feature-packed. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a boon for those who hate dealing with cables. The user interface is intuitive, and the graphics are crisp.
A 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster keeps the driver informed with all essential information. It’s customizable and easy to read at a glance. Other tech goodies include a wireless phone charger, a premium sound system, and automatic climate control.
One standout feature is Honda’s LaneWatch camera. Activated when you use the left turn signal, it displays a wide-angle view of the left side of the car on the infotainment screen, eliminating blind spots. It’s a feature that, once you use it, you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Safety: No Compromises
Honda has always prioritized safety, and the Elevate is no exception. It comes with a host of safety features that will put even the most cautious drivers at ease. The list is impressive:
- 6 airbags as standard across all variants
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Hill Start Assist
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Rear parking sensors and camera
But the crown jewel in the Elevate’s safety arsenal is Honda SENSING, the brand’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This includes features like:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
- Auto High-Beam
These features work together to make every journey safer, reducing driver fatigue on long trips and providing an extra layer of protection in unpredictable traffic conditions.
Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
Honda has smartly structured the Elevate lineup to cater to different budgets and requirements. The range starts with the SV variant, which, despite being the entry-level model, comes well-equipped with features like LED headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a 7-inch infotainment system.
Moving up the ladder, the V and VX variants add more luxuries and tech features. The top-of-the-line ZX variant is where you get all the bells and whistles, including the Honda SENSING suite.
Pricing is competitive, starting at ₹11.73 lakh for the base SV MT variant and going up to ₹16.67 lakh for the fully-loaded ZX CVT (ex-showroom prices). This pricing strategy puts the Elevate right in the mix with competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
The Driving Experience: Where It All Comes Together
On the road, the Elevate truly shines. The elevated seating position gives you a commanding view of the road, while the well-tuned suspension strikes a fine balance between comfort and handling. It soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, yet remains composed around corners.
The steering is light at low speeds, making city maneuvers a breeze, but weighs up nicely as speeds increase, inspiring confidence on highways. NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are well controlled, with minimal road and wind noise seeping into the cabin.
The 1.5-liter engine, while not the most powerful in its class, feels peppy and responsive. It has a strong mid-range, which is perfect for overtaking maneuvers. The manual gearbox is a joy to use, with short, precise throws. The CVT, while not as engaging, does its job smoothly and is perfect for those who prioritize convenience.
Ownership Experience: The Honda Advantage
Buying a car is one thing, living with it is another. This is where Honda’s reputation for reliability and after-sales service comes into play. The brand has a wide service network across India, ensuring that your Elevate is always in good hands.
Honda is offering a standard 3-year/unlimited kilometer warranty, which can be extended up to 5 years. Additionally, there’s a 10-year anytime warranty option, a first in the segment, showcasing Honda’s confidence in the Elevate’s longevity.
Maintenance costs are expected to be on par with other Honda models, which means they’ll be competitive but not necessarily the cheapest in the segment. However, the peace of mind that comes with Honda’s reliability often outweighs slight differences in maintenance costs for many buyers.
The Verdict: A Strong Contender
The Honda Elevate enters a fiercely competitive segment, but it does so with typical Honda flair. It may not be revolutionary, but it excels in areas that matter most to Indian consumers – comfort, features, safety, and reliability.
Its strengths lie in its well-rounded nature. The Elevate doesn’t try to be the sportiest, the most powerful, or the most feature-loaded SUV in its class. Instead, it aims to be the most balanced, offering a mix of attributes that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
For families looking for a comfortable, safe, and reliable SUV, the Elevate ticks all the right boxes. Young professionals will appreciate its modern tech features and stylish design. And for those who value the Honda badge and all it stands for, the Elevate represents the brand’s best effort yet in the compact SUV space.
Is it perfect? No car is. Some might find the engine a tad underpowered compared to turbocharged rivals. Others might wish for a diesel option, which Honda has chosen to forego. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a very compelling package.
In conclusion, the Honda Elevate lives up to its name. It elevates Honda’s SUV game in India and sets a new benchmark for what a well-rounded compact SUV should be. It’s a vehicle that deserves serious consideration if you’re in the market for a compact SUV. Take it for a spin, and you might just find yourself elevating your driving experience.