Honda has unveiled its new SUV, the Elevate, marking the company’s return to the SUV segment. The Elevate shares similarities with Honda’s previous SUVs, the CR-V and BR-V, but offers a fresh design and features. Bookings for the Elevate will begin in July 2023, followed by a price announcement.
In terms of specifications, the Elevate is equipped with the same 1.5-litre petrol engine found in the Honda City. However, it will also receive a full electric powertrain in the future. Its competitors in the market include popular models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Skoda Kushaq. The Elevate’s dimensions are similar to the Creta, with a length of 4,312mm, width of 1,790mm, height of 1,650mm, and a wheelbase of 2,650mm. It boasts 458 liters of boot space and a segment-leading ground clearance of 220mm.
In terms of design, the Elevate resembles the overseas CR-V, featuring a prominent grille with a large Honda logo in the center, sleek LED headlights, and fog lamps. The SUV has flared wheel arches with plastic cladding, giving it a robust appearance, and it comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear showcases a raked window, wraparound tail-lights similar to the latest WR-V, and an indentation for the number plate.
Inside the cabin, the Elevate offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster. Notably, it comes with Honda’s Sensing ADAS suite, which includes safety features such as collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Other features include a lane-watch camera, wireless charging, wireless smartphone integration, and a rear parking camera. However, it should be noted that the Elevate only features a single-pane sunroof, while some competitors offer panoramic sunroofs.
The Elevate is built on Honda’s Global Small Car platform, shared with the Honda City sedan. It is powered by a 121hp, 145Nm, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, available with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission. Honda has also confirmed that an electric powertrain will be introduced for the Elevate within the next three years.
In terms of rivals and market positioning, the Elevate will compete with popular midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor, and the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross. This move marks Honda’s attempt to revitalize its lineup, as it currently consists of only two sedans. The success of the Elevate will depend on competitive pricing, considering the fierce competition in the midsize SUV segment. Honda has not yet revealed the pricing details, but an announcement is expected in the near future. The Elevate will be manufactured in India and exported to various international markets.
Also Read: Updated Hero HF Deluxe launched at Rs 60,760
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