Honda Elevate

Honda Elevate shandar features SUV launch with budget

by

Honda Elevate : In a bold move that’s set to shake up the fiercely competitive compact SUV market in India, Honda has unveiled its latest offering – the Elevate.

This eagerly anticipated SUV marks Honda’s entry into a segment that has been dominated by Korean and Indian manufacturers.

With its combination of striking design, advanced features, and competitive pricing, the Honda Elevate is poised to carve out a significant niche for itself in the hearts of Indian car buyers.

Honda Elevate Design That Turns Heads

The Honda Elevate embodies the brand’s new “Modern Solid” design language, which combines compact external dimensions with a distinctive shape and clean lines.

From the first glance, it’s clear that Honda has put considerable thought into making the Elevate stand out in a crowded marketplace.

At the front, the Elevate features precise DRL (Daytime Running Light) signatures and hexagon patterns typical of Honda’s new SUV style.

The wide grille, powerful lines on the upright and square bonnet, and the almost flat bumper give the Elevate a muscular appearance, making it look like a “little bodybuilder flexing.”

The side profile reveals the compact nature of the vehicle, but Honda has managed to maintain proportions that don’t compromise on style.

The top-spec version comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, lending the Elevate an almost hot hatch-like stance. To emphasize its SUV credentials, thick cladding envelops the bottom third of the vehicle.

The rear design has been a topic of discussion among automotive enthusiasts. It features an upright tail section, blocky tail lamps, and a black trim piece that adds a unique character to the vehicle.

While some have drawn comparisons to other brands, the overall design remains distinctively Honda.

Color options play a crucial role in accentuating the Elevate’s design. The SUV looks particularly striking in louder colors such as Olive Green and Tornado Red, while also carrying off more subdued tones like white, grey, and black with equal panache.

In total, the Elevate is available in 11 color options, including Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteor Grey Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Phoenix Orange Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, and various dual-tone combinations.

Honda Elevate Interior: Where Comfort Meets Functionality

Step inside the Elevate, and you’re greeted by an interior that balances functionality with comfort. The cabin design takes inspiration from its larger sibling, the Kushaq, but adds its own unique touches.

A split dashboard, free-standing touchscreen, and the now-signature two-spoke steering wheel create a modern and inviting atmosphere.

Honda has paid attention to the practicality aspect as well. The doors open wide, and the seats are set at a neutral height, ensuring easy ingress and egress for all passengers, including the elderly.

This thoughtful design extends to the rear of the vehicle, where the Elevate offers a class-leading boot space of 458 liters, expandable to 1,455 liters with the rear seats folded down.

The use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin enhances the premium feel. Honda has incorporated sustainable Design Selections, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly interiors.

The ambient lighting further elevates the cabin’s atmosphere, creating a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers.

Honda Elevate Feature-Rich: Technology at Your Fingertips

The Honda Elevate comes loaded with features that are sure to impress tech-savvy buyers. The top-spec variant includes:

  1. 10.25-inch Digital Driver’s Display: Customizable and easy to operate via steering wheel controls.
  2. 10.1-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: Featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface reminiscent of an Android tablet.
  3. Wireless Charger: Equipped with raised ridges to keep phones in place.
  4. Electric Sunroof: Adding to the airy feel of the cabin.
  5. Cruise Control and Automatic Headlamps: Enhancing driving convenience.
  6. Honda Connect: Offering over 37 connected car features for enhanced safety, security, and convenience.

Lower variants are also well-equipped, with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and keyless entry ensuring that even budget-conscious buyers don’t feel short-changed.

Honda Elevate Safety: A Top Priority

Honda has made safety a cornerstone of the Elevate’s design. The SUV comes with over 40 safety features as standard across all variants.

This includes six airbags, Multi-collision Brake, Roll Over Protection, Motor Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Electronic Stability Control, among others.

Higher variants of the Elevate also come equipped with Honda Sensing, the brand’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

This includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Road Departure Mitigation System, placing the Elevate at par with more expensive SUVs in terms of safety technology.

Honda Elevate Powerhouse Performance

Under the hood, the Honda Elevate offers a blend of power and efficiency. It’s equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque.

Buyers have the choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic.

While some might bemoan the lack of a turbo-petrol or diesel option, Honda’s naturally aspirated engine has a reputation for refinement and reliability.

The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures are impressive, with the manual variant returning 15.31 kmpl and the CVT variant achieving 16.92 kmpl.

Honda has put the Elevate through rigorous testing, covering over 800,000 kilometers of Indian terrain to ensure its reliability and performance in diverse conditions.

This extensive testing should translate to a robust and dependable driving experience for owners.

Honda Elevate Budget-Friendly Pricing

One of the most attractive aspects of the Honda Elevate is its competitive pricing strategy. The base SV variant starts at Rs. 11.73 Lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-spec ZX CVT variant is priced at Rs. 16.93 Lakh (ex-showroom).

This pricing puts the Elevate in direct competition with popular models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

The variant lineup includes:
  • SV (Manual): Rs. 11.73 Lakh
  • V (Manual): Rs. 12.46 Lakh
  • VX (Manual): Rs. 13.85 Lakh
  • ZX (Manual): Rs. 15.25 Lakh
  • V (CVT): Rs. 13.56 Lakh
  • VX (CVT): Rs. 14.95 Lakh
  • ZX (CVT): Rs. 16.93 Lakh

This pricing strategy ensures that there’s an Elevate for every budget, from the value-conscious buyer to those seeking a fully-loaded SUV experience.

Honda Elevate Market Impact and Initial Reception

The launch of the Honda Elevate has been met with enthusiasm from both critics and consumers. Within the first 10 days of its launch in November 2024, the Elevate reportedly garnered over 10,000 bookings.

Deliveries began in January 2025, and in February 2025, Honda registered more than 3,600 unit sales of the Elevate, representing a significant 192% month-on-month increase.

As of February 2025, Honda had delivered over 50,000 units of the Elevate in India, with more than 50% of customers opting for variants equipped with ADAS features.

This strong initial reception indicates that the Elevate has struck a chord with Indian buyers, who appreciate its combination of style, features, and value proposition.

Honda Elevate Challenges and Competition

While the Elevate has made a strong start, it faces stiff competition in the compact SUV segment. Established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara have a strong foothold in the market.

The Elevate will need to continue to differentiate itself through its build quality, driving dynamics, and after-sales service to maintain its momentum.

One potential challenge for the Elevate is the lack of diesel and strong hybrid options, which are offered by some competitors.

However, Honda seems confident that its refined petrol engine and competitive pricing will be sufficient to attract buyers.

Honda Elevate Future Prospects

Honda has ambitious plans for the Elevate and its presence in the Indian market. The company aims to expand its dealership network from approximately 160 to 280 by the end of 2025, indicating a strong commitment to improving its reach and after-sales support.

There are also rumors of potential hybrid technology being developed for future models, which could further enhance the Elevate’s appeal in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

Honda Elevate Conclusion: A Worthy Contender in the Compact SUV Arena

The Honda Elevate represents a significant step forward for the Japanese automaker in the Indian market.

By combining striking design, a feature-rich interior, advanced safety technology, and competitive pricing, Honda has created a compelling package that addresses the needs and wants of Indian SUV buyers.

While it may face challenges in terms of powertrain options and intense competition, the Elevate’s initial success suggests that it has the potential to be a game-changer for Honda in India.

Its blend of “shandar” (Hindi for magnificent) features and budget-friendly pricing make it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers.

As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the Honda Elevate stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to the Indian market and its ability to deliver products that resonate with local consumers.

Whether it can maintain its momentum and establish itself as a long-term player in the compact SUV segment remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the Elevate has certainly raised the bar for what buyers can expect in this fiercely competitive market.

Also Read This-

Leave a Comment