Honda’s new global midsize SUV – Elevate – will make its world debut on 6th June 2023 in India. Here, the model will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos and midsize SUVs from Skoda and Volkswagen. While its official launch date is yet to be announced, the Honda Elevate is likely to go on sale in August 2023. Ahead of its official arrival, select Honda dealers have started accepting bookings for the SUV at token sum of Rs 11,000 to Rs 21,000.
The new Honda SUV will initially be offered with a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine sourced from the City sedan. The motor, with a manual and a CVT automatic gearbox, pushes out a peak power of 121bhp and 145Nm of torque. Speculations suggest that the carmaker might also introduce City’s hybrid powertrain with the Elevate model lineup at a later stage. The former is also available with the Atkinson Cycle 1.5L petrol-hybrid setup paired to an eCVT transmission. On the City, the naturally aspirated petrol and strong hybrid powertrain offer fuel efficiency of 17.8kmpl (petrol MT), 18.4kmpl (petrol AT) and 27.13kmpl respectively. The SUV will come with the FWD (front-wheel drive) system.
In terms of features, the new Honda Elevate SUV will be as packed as the City sedan. The teaser image confirms that the model has a single-pane sunroof. It could also be offered with a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a digital driver display, rear AC vents, automatic climate control, ambient lighting system, push button start/stop, premium audio system, cruise control and more.
One of its major attractions of the Elevate SUV is likely to be ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) offering features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking system, lane keep assist, lane departure assist, low speed follow function, automatic high beam and lead car departure notification.
