The Honda Elevate, a new entrant in the Indian SUV market, was launched in 2023 as its first-generation variant. This vehicle, exclusively available in a petrol version, starts at an ex-showroom price of around INR 11 lakh, with the top model, the ZX variant, priced at INR 16.27 lakh.
Known as the WRV in some countries, the Elevate is a global model by Honda. Initially launched in India, it’s set to be exported from there. An electric version is expected within the next three years.
Equipped with Active and Passive Safety technologies, including ADAS with Honda Sensing, the Elevate offers a 3-year unlimited km warranty, extendable up to 5 years. Developed at the Honda R&D Asia Pacific center in Thailand under the leadership of Munetsugu Kaneko, the Elevate boasts a bold and masculine exterior design, taking inspiration from the Honda HRV.
This front-engine, front-wheel-drive SUV is based on the Urban Freestyler concept and is assembled in Tapukara, Rajasthan. Key features include LED projector fog lamps, an alpha bold signature grille, and sharp dual automatic LED projector headlamps with DRL, position lamps, and auto high beam.
The vehicle comes with power adjustable, power fold outside mirrors with LED turn indicators, sharp character lines, and dimensions including a length of 4.3 meters, width of 1.8 meters, and height of 1.6 meters. It has a ground clearance of 220 mm, a turning radius of 5.2 meters, a kerb weight of 1300 kg, and a gross weight of 1700 kg.
Wheel options include 17-inch two-tone finish diamond-cut alloys and 16-inch steel wheels, with disc brakes on both front and rear. It rides on 215/55 R17 94V Bridgestone Turanza T005A radial tubeless low rolling resistance tires.
The Elevate is available in Obsidian Blue Pearl, with other color options including orange, red, white, brown, silver, and grey. A dual-tone version with a black roof is also available.
Maintenance includes a service interval of 1 year or 10,000 km. The suspension system comprises McPherson strut suspension with coil spring at the front and U-type torsion beam suspension with coil spring at the rear. The vehicle also features dual LED tail lights, telescopic hydraulic nitrogen gas-filled shock absorbers, and embodies the acronym ELEVATE, which stands for empowerment, liberation, exploration, versatility, aspiration, transformation, and evolution.
Nearly 90% of the Elevate is locally manufactured, built on Honda’s Global Small Car platform, which also underpins the Honda City. Targeted at young customers who value status, comfort, and an active lifestyle, the Elevate combines a stylish bold exterior with a comprehensive safety package and comfortable interiors.
The body uses high tensile steel for added safety and dynamic driving at high speeds. The suspension setup is designed for low friction, ensuring superior handling stability and ride comfort. Key features include remote engine start, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure for enhanced protection, and Honda Sensing technologies like a wide-angle front camera and collision mitigation systems.
Safety features include six airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, Agile Handling Assist, and many more. The Honda Connect offers a 5-year subscription, allowing access to over 37 car features through a smartphone app.
The Elevate has a boot space of 458 liters and offers an 8-speaker surround sound system. Interiors include brown leatherette upholstery, with fabric options available, and adjustable seats to accommodate different body types. Additional features include 60/40 split-folding rear seats, ambient lighting, dashboard leatherette pads, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
Transmission options include a 7-speed CVT automatic and a 6-speed manual. The vehicle also features a wireless phone charger, automatic AC with a PM 2.5 dust and pollen cabin air purifying filter, and a 10.25 inch floating type IPS HD LCD touchscreen infotainment system supporting various connectivity options.
Powering the Elevate is a 1500 cc, inline 4-cylinder, BS6 RDE compliant Honda L15Z Earth Dreams petrol engine, offering 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. This engine is also used in other Honda models like the City, Jazz, BRV, WRV, and HRV. It’s designed to run on E20 fuel and includes a high tumble intake port.
The base model of the Elevate, the SV variant in silver color, is priced at INR 11 lakh.