Honda Elevate, the highly anticipated midsize SUV, is set to make its global debut, and it’s about to revolutionize the segment. As Honda’s entry into the competitive midsize SUV market, the Elevate aims to fill the void left by the discontinuation of the CR-V in 2020, making it a much-needed addition to Honda India’s portfolio. With consistent demand for SUVs and the success of the Amaze and City sedans, there’s no denying the importance of having an SUV in an automaker’s lineup.
Honda Elevate's Styling: A Global SUV Aesthetic
The Honda Elevate draws design inspiration from the brand’s global SUV lineup, particularly the sixth-generation CR-V and the recently revealed new-gen WR-V. Spy shots of the Elevate showcase a flat nose with a prominent Honda logo at the center, accompanied by sleek LED headlights reminiscent of the new HR-V. At the rear, it boasts taillights similar to those of the new WR-V, while other design highlights include square-shaped wheel arches, a distinctive kink in the rear window, and eye-catching multi-spoke alloys. Measuring around 4.2-4.3 meters in length, the Elevate is in line with its segment’s dimensions.
Feature-rich Interior: Sharing Traits with the City
Inside the Honda Elevate, you can expect several similarities to the City sedan. The equipment list is likely to be largely carried over, including the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features. Honda has recently confirmed that all upcoming models in India will be equipped with ADAS. While the Elevate will feature a single-pane sunroof, it falls slightly short of its segment competitors that offer panoramic sunroofs. Additional interior features may include an 8.0-inch touchscreen, semi-digital instrument cluster sourced from the City, wireless phone connectivity, and wireless charging.
Shared Platform and Powertrains: Inheritance from the City
The Elevate shares its platform with the fifth-generation City sedan, ensuring a solid foundation for this midsize SUV. Additionally, it will be equipped with the identical 121 horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that is also utilized in the City model. This powertrain will be coupled with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT gearbox. Although a hybrid powertrain option using the 1.5-liter petrol engine from the City is expected to join the lineup later, no diesel engine option will be available.
Rising to the Challenge: Competition in the Midsize SUV Segment
The Honda Elevate faces fierce competition in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment, with the Hyundai Creta reigning as the dominant player for years. In recent times, the Grand Vitara, Hyryder, and the upcoming C3 Aircross have also gained popularity, adding to the competitive landscape. Even the Kia Seltos is set to receive a mid-lifecycle facelift, featuring enhanced equipment and a new turbo-petrol powertrain. With competitors providing high-end features and a range of engine choices, the Elevate is making its entry into the market equipped with a capable selection of SUVs.
Price and Launch Date: What to Expect
Following its global unveiling, Honda is expected to announce prices for the Elevate around August this year. As Honda vehicles typically come with a slight premium over their rivals, prices are estimated to start from approximately Rs 11 lakh-12 lakh (ex-showroom). However, considering the availability of a sole petrol engine option, the prices are expected to peak at around Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end petrol automatic variant.
With the imminent global debut of the Honda Elevate, the midsize SUV segment is in for an exciting addition. Boasting a distinctive design inspired by Honda’s global SUV lineup, shared features with the City sedan, a solid platform, and a powerful petrol engine, the Elevate aims to impress SUV enthusiasts in India. While the competition is fierce, Honda’s reputation for quality and innovation, coupled with the Elevate’s anticipated price range, sets the stage for a compelling showdown in the midsize SUV arena. Get ready to embark on new adventures with the Honda Elevate, the SUV that combines style, performance, and practicality in one impressive package.
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