A NEW START

The Elevate is Honda’s attempt to make its mark in the immensely successful SUV segment. The question, however, is if it’s competent enough to compete against the Creta and Seltos. Or is it a case of too little, too late?

- ISHAN RAGHAVA

The SUV segment in the Indian market has seen an exponential growth, mirroring the global trend. And frankly, Honda India has been surprisingly absent from this segment and missing out on a significant piece of action. Sure, it had the WR-V, which sold quite well, but, then, it wasn’t really a proper SUV. So now, to change this, Honda has come up with the made-for-India Elevate, which is set to be launched in September, just before the festive season begins in India. Now, with the well-established players like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the upper segment, and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder catering to the value segment, the following question comes to mind: does the Elevate have a chance of success in the Indian market? Well, we spent a long day in rainy Udaipur to find out exactly that.

SOLID PRESENCE 

One look at the Elevate is enough to tell you that it has quite a pleasing design. I must add that Honda’s design team has done a tremendous job. The big grille gives the Elevate an imposing look, and the restrained use of chrome also helps here. And at just over 4.3 metres long, the proportions of the Elevate are very well balanced, well complemented by the 17-inch wheels on the top-of-the-line ZX variant – the one we tested.

The headlights and taillights are both LEDs, with the latter featuring a full width look; however, only the side elements are illuminated. With its large doors and large glasshouse, the Elevate cuts a pleasing figure, and I think most people will like how it looks.