When Honda announced the Elevate, they didn’t just name a car – they issued a command. And that command was simple: “Utho, aur chalo with style!”
Launched in 2023, the Honda Elevate is the brand’s first serious attempt at joining India’s ever-buzzing “Compact SUV Chakra”. It promises status, comfort, tech, and just enough petrol-sipping practicality to make you feel like a grown-up – but with Spotify Premium.
Only available in petrol, the Elevate starts at an ex-showroom price of ₹11.91 lakh, with the top-end variant costing up to ₹16.73 lakh.
Let’s buckle up, press the keyfob-start-button combo (like a digital handshake), and take a cheeky ride through what this bold little beast is all about.
EXTERIOR: Biceps in Grille Form
The Elevate doesn’t whisper, it flexes – not in the angry, “I’ve just joined a gym” way, but in the suave “I drink my protein shake with a straw” kind of way.
With its Alpha-Bold Signature Grille, under spoilers, and those dual automatic LED projectors with DRLs and high-beam karate chops, the Elevate looks like it’s auditioning for a Marvel spin-off. Possibly titled “Black Edition: Revenge of the Sub-Compact Hero.”
Its Crystal Black Pearl coat gleams like it just walked out of a spa treatment, and Honda’s Lanewatch camera peeks around the blind spots like your nosy neighbour with binoculars. Sleek 17-inch gloss black alloys? Check. Door edge guards? Double check. Style and protection – it’s basically a fashionable bouncer.
INTERIOR: The Lounge on Wheels
Slide into the cabin and you’re greeted by black leatherette thrones, ambient lighting, and a piano black dashboard that could easily double as a tuxedo.
There’s a 10.25-inch floating infotainment screen ready to sync your phone faster than you can say “Alexa, start my car” (yes, that works too). The 8-speaker surround sound system is loud enough to drown out your relatives asking when you’ll buy a house.
Need more? There’s an electric sunroof, telescopic steering, wireless charging, auto AC with PM2.5 dust filter, and enough cubbyholes to store everything from sanitizers to samosas.
The 458-litre boot space is generous – throw in luggage, gym gear, or that giant teddy bear your partner impulsively won at a fair. The 60/40 split rear seats fold flatter than your optimism during peak traffic.
PERFORMANCE: Zen Mode with a Zing
Under the hood lies Honda’s trusted 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine – the very same one powering the Honda City and other friendly cousins. It churns out 119 horses and 145 Nm of torque, which isn’t exactly beast mode, but it’ll zip past rickshaws with regal grace.
You get the option of a 6-speed manual for those who love clutch leg workouts, or a 7-step CVT automatic for those who believe in letting life cruise.
Top speed? A humble 160 kmph. Mileage? 16 km/l for CVT, 15 for manual, provided you’re not racing every auto at the traffic light.
Pro tip: It’s E20 fuel compliant. So yes, you’re technically saving the environment. Slowly.
SAFETY: Honda’s Fort Knox on Wheels
If safety had a fan club, Elevate would be the president.
With 6 airbags, Honda Sensing ADAS, ABS, EBD, VSA, Hill Start Assist, Lead Car Departure alerts, Emergency Stop Signal, and more acronyms than a tech startup pitch, it’s a moving fortress.
The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and high-tensile steel make it safer than sharing your Netflix password with your bestie.
TECH-IT-OUT: Smartphone Nirvana
Through Honda Connect, your phone turns into an Elevate command center. Lock/unlock, locate, track trips, check status, geofence, and even summon roadside help. Basically, your phone is now your co-pilot – and unlike your human one, it doesn’t complain about your playlist.
And yes, voice control, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control let the car think a bit on its own – like a polite, tech-savvy butler with wheels.
ACCESSORIES: The Glorified Amazon Cart
You want chrome garnish? It’s there. Mud guards, under spoilers, illuminated scuff plates, dash cams, even an anti-fog film (for those cinematic foggy mornings in Gurgaon). Honda’s giving you the toy box – just open your wallet.
THE VERDICT: City Meets Safari
The Honda Elevate isn’t here to dominate racetracks. It’s here to add flair to your daily grind, provide enough comfort for road trips, and offer tech that makes you feel smarter than your internet provider.
It’s not just a car. It’s a Honda City on protein powder, wearing trekking boots and ready to hit the urban jungle.
FINAL RATING: 4.25 out of 5 gears
Great looks Smooth CVT Feature-rich
✘ Diesel lovers may sulk
✘ More sporty punch would’ve been nice
