Honda unveils the Elevate mid-sized SUV
Honda to launch 5 new SUVs in India by 2030 including an EV in the next three years
With three sedan offerings in its portfolio, Honda’s India stable appeared frail against its SUV-heavy competing brands. Though that changed today as Honda finally introduced an all-new SUV called the Elevate. India hosted the global premiere of the Elevate, unveiling the car as a new mid-sized SUV in Honda’s global SUV lineup.
The Elevate comprises one of five SUV models scheduled for launch by Honda in India by 2030. While it arrives late to the immensely crowded segment that already boasts more than half a dozen models, such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and others, Honda places high bets on the Elevate to be the brand’s third volume pillar in India. Honda further announced plans to launch a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in India within the next three years.
The Honda Elevate’s dimensions get rated at 4312mm in length, 1790mm in width and 1650mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2650mm. To put these numbers in context, the Honda Elevate is longer and taller with a bigger wheelbase than the Hyundai Creta while offering the same width. It even provides 458 litres of boot space, ranking it among the highest compared to its rivals.
Honda has designed the Elevate with an ‘Urban Freestyler’ concept that appeals to customers with active lifestyles. The front fascia boasts Honda’s signature squared grille, which adorns all global Honda models but debuts in the Indian market, flanked by sleek LED headlights. The taillights are LED units as well, exhibiting a distinct design. Diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone finish round up the overall look of the Honda Elevate.
The interior upholstery gets draped in a contrasting combination of brown and black. The dashboard of the Honda Elevate boasts a 7.0-inch semi-digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch LCD infotainment touchscreen. Convenience features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered along with ASVM (Assistant Side View Monitor) and ARVM (Assistant Rear View Monitor) for guided manoeuvrability around tight areas get equipped. An electric sunroof with a rear air-con vent and cupholders in the rear centre armrest are some key creature comforts on offer.
Honda has equipped the Elevate with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 119hp and 145Nm torques. Honda claims this powertrain has been optimised to deliver high fuel efficiency, lower emissions and spirited driving performance. Customers can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed CVT gearbox.
With the incorporation of Honda Sensing safety suite of features, the Elevate will boast a wide array of safety systems. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Lead Car Departure Notification system are essential safety systems in the Honda Sensing safety suite.
Bookings for the Honda Elevate will open from July 2023, with an official model launch slated to take place in the upcoming festive season.
Team TCI was invited to the world premiere of the Honda Elevate launch in India. Here are our initial impressions.
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