Honda will launch a new compact SUV to rival Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos – Called Honda Elevate SUV
Spotted on road tests in recent weeks, Honda’s new compact SUV (codenamed 3US) will make its global debut on June 6th. It is expected to go on sale sometime in August 2023. Today, Honda Car India officially revealed the name of this new SUV. It will be called – Honda Elevate SUV. Pricing is expected in the range of Rs 12 lakh to Rs 19 lakh.
Honda’s new Elevate SUV will cater to overseas markets as well. Initial plans are to manufacture around 8k units per month. A significant percentage will be allocated for exports. Cracking the compact SUV segment won’t be easy, as there’s already a long list of bestsellers such as Creta, Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.
Honda new Elevate SUV styling
Just like other compact SUVs, Honda’s Elevate will have a sporty, captivating profile. Test mules have been spotted in full camouflage, but some features are evident such as prominent nose and chunky grille and bumper. Elevate SUV has sleek headlamps with top-mounted LED DRLs. Top-spec variants are expected to be equipped with LED headlamps. Outline of a rugged-looking skid plate can be seen.
Other highlights of Honda Elevate SUV include thick body cladding, muscular wheel arches and liberal use of chrome accents. Alloy wheel design seems similar to the one used with 5th-gen Honda City. At rear, the tail lights appear similar to that of new-gen WR-V available in Indonesia and other Asian markets.
Honda Car India says – “Developed as a global model, the All New Elevate is Honda’s brand new mid-size SUV which will have its World Premiere in India next month. The All New Elevate represents Honda’s pursuit to introduce a perfect urban SUV appealing to the elevated taste for finer things in life. It symbolizes the aspiration to achieve success and wanting to keep elevating to the next level. Honda Elevate has been developed as a new global model in Honda’s line-up to cater to the robust demand for SUVs world-wide. The new model incorporates people’s lifestyle requirements and their expectations for Honda’s New SUV. India will be the first market to launch the Honda Elevate.”
Honda Elevate SUV Size, Features
Honda’s new Elevate SUV is expected to be around 4.2 to 4.3 meters long. So, street presence will be largely the same as that of other leading compact SUVs. Unless, of course the SUV has an entirely exclusive and striking design elements. The SUV’s wheelbase could be among the longest-in-segment, to ensure spacious interiors.
Some of the key features on the inside will include a 10.2-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. The equipment list will include 7-inch full colour TFT instrument display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dedicated connectivity platform, premium sound system, PM 2.5 air filter, automatic climate control and engine start / stop.
Honda Elevate SUV performance
Honda Elevate compact SUV is based on City platform. It will have the new twin cam 1.5-litre petrol engine that churns out 121 PS of max power and 145 Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices will include 6-speed manual and CVT automatic. At the time of launch, Honda’s new compact SUV will not have options of diesel or strong hybrid like some of the rivals. This can be a disadvantage, although Honda is likely to introduce a strong hybrid version at a later date.
Honda’s decision to launch a compact SUV seems apt, as this segment is among the fastest growing in India. Honda is using an existing platform, which will reduce production cost. The target audience for compact SUVs has been willing to try new products, something that can benefit Honda’s new compact SUV.
