After years of waiting, Honda fans will finally get to see a made for India compact SUV – Due for launch ahead of Diwali 2023
Post BS6 P2 emission standard enforcement, Honda has two only models on sale in India. Amaze and 5th gen City. Amaze diesel, Jazz, 4th gen City, 5th gen City Diesel and WR-V slipped through the cracks. Honda intends to make a grand comeback with a new compact SUV. This new SUV is likely to be christened as Elevate and it will debut on June 6.
Internally known as 3US, the upcoming Honda compact SUV has already been officially teased. The SUV has been showcased to the dealers recently at an exclusive event in Thailand. The initial response has been good. It has a modern design, loaded with features and a powerful engine option.
Honda Elevate Compact SUV for India
Speaking about exterior design, it will be inspired by Honda’s new design language. We expect a large grille and a decent dose of chrome to add a touch of sophistication. Crossover SUV elements like body cladding, front and rear faux skid plates, roof rails, high ground clearance and 215-section tyres are highly likely. End result might resemble the design language of the recently launched WR-V SUV in Indonesia.
Interiors of Honda Elevate SUV have been spied. It gets an upright dashboard design that resonates with its upright front fascia. Speaking of front fascia, Honda is offering a strong nose with a muscular clamshell bonnet. Bonnet shut line is almost flat. Spy shots reveal conventionally placed headlights with integrated LED DRLs as well.
Honda Elevate SUV features
Honda SIV length will be around 4.3m, owing to the segment it will tackle. Features list will be extensive too, considering that this is Honda’s comeback vehicle. For starters, Honda compact SUV will share its underpinnings with 5th gen City.
We expect a large touchscreen system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, a single-pane sunroof, cruise control, camera-based Honda Sensing ADAS suite, cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, ambient lighting, push-button start, automatic climate control, rear AC vents and a lot more.
Engine options on offer
Honda Elevate SUV will only be offered with a 1.5 liter petrol engine option, which is the same that powers the City. It generates 119 bhp and 145 Nm. Gearbox options include a 6-speed MT and a CVT. Diesel engine option will not be on offer. Honda has discontinued diesel engine options from all their cars in India.
For those wanting better fuel efficiency, there might be good news. Honda could offer Elevate with a hybrid option, same as we have in the City Hybrid. Upon launch, it will rival hybrid variants of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Other rivals include MG Astor, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Honda Elevate compact SUV prices are likely to be in the Rs 10 lakh to Rs 22 lakh range.
