It's finally happening! After years of speculation and anticipation, Honda has finally confirmed its entry into the mid-size SUV segment to take on the already-existing dominance of the Korean manufacturer. Honda is unveiling an all-new, ground-up built SUV named Elevate for the global market in India. The SUV is expected to go on sale in August. The brand has managed to keep the excitement on by revealing some design elements. And yes, a few spy shots even highlight its SUV credentials, just like the way Indian consumers like. But but but, they have revealed the Elevate to come with a small sunroof rather than a big panoramic sunroof. As long as they price it competitively, there are no complaints whatsoever because people prefer Honda for its functionality and reliability. Well, it is what it is. Definitely, fancy features give added advantages, but rather than complaining, let's just deal with the realities that Honda has for us.
The Honda Elevate takes the styling cues from the global line of products like CR-V and HR-V, which are sold abroad. A few spy shots showcase thin daytime running lights, a large radiator grille and LED headlights up front. At the rear, the design of the tail lamps is borrowed from the WR-V. Muscular wheel arches, 17-inch wheels, a flat bonnet, and a boxy design with decent enough ground clearance give it good SUV appeal. From the inside, it could feature the same infotainment and instrument cluster that is being equipped in the 5-gen Honda City, along with the other essential features that are standard in today's day and age cars.
The Honda Elevate shares its platform and underpinnings with the 5-gen Honda City. Dimension-wise, it would be around 4.3 meters and would have the segment-best wheelbase; fingers crossed. The engine will be the same .5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces around 120hp of power and 145 Nm of torque. The engine will come mated to a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. However, Honda might change the engine's state of tune for an Elevate SUV. Honda is expected to bring a hybrid avatar of the Elevate SUV later.
Honda is a little late to the party, so we expect and wish the brand to keep the pricing and variants on offer in check. It would face serious competition against the already established masses' favourite Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, sporty 5-star German cousins and recent favourites MS Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder.
