The Indian compact SUV market is about to witness the arrival of a new contender, the Honda Elevate. This highly anticipated SUV has just been unveiled and is gearing up for a launch that coincides with the coming festive season in 2023. With an expected Honda Elevate price of Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom), this car is poised to go head-to-head with some formidable rivals in its segment. Among the competitors it will face are well-established names in the market.
Under the hood of the Honda Elevate lies a potent 1.5-liter petrol engine that boasts a power output of 121PS and a peak torque of 145Nm. Buyers can choose a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic for their preferred driving experience. Moreover, the Elevate comes generously equipped with a range of features to enhance both comfort and convenience for its occupants. These features include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a spacious 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a single-pane sunroof, and a 7-inch semi-digital driver’s display.
Despite offering a slew of premium features and meticulous design details, the Honda Elevate does have some noteworthy omissions compared to its competitors. Here are the top 10 features that Elevate lacks in comparison to its rivals:
Panoramic Sunroof
While the Elevate boasts a sunroof, it falls short of its competitors’ panoramic sunroofs. Models such as the Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, Toyota Hyryder, and Maruti Grand Vitara come equipped with panoramic sunroofs, which have become a sought-after feature, elevating the overall cabin experience.
360-degree Camera
Honda provides a rearview camera and its ‘Lanewatch’ camera feature, but it needs to include a 360-degree view setup. This feature is invaluable for parking and navigating tight spaces and is convenient and readily available in models like the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and MG Astor.
Fully Digital Driver’s Display
The Elevate opts for a semi-digital unit featuring a 7-inch TFT screen in an era characterised by modern and fully digital instrument clusters. While this display is respectable, it may feel dated compared to the fully digital driver’s displays in competing models like the Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and Citroen C3 Aircross.
Branded Audio System
A notable absence in the Elevate is a branded audio system. This is such a feature that has become quite common in this segment. It could have been offered as a top-spec option, a practice observed in other models. Models such as the Creta and Seltos offer Bose sound systems, while Hyryder and the Grand Vitara feature audio systems from Clarion.
Powered Driver’s Seat
Honda could have enhanced the Elevate’s convenience by offering a powered driver’s seat. This feature is available in models like the Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, and Kia Seltos, considered among the most feature-rich offerings in the segment. It’s a small but impactful convenience that greatly enhances the user experience.
Ventilated Front Seats
For the demanding climate conditions in India, ventilated front seats would have been a valuable addition. Surprisingly, the Elevate lacks this feature despite being offered in nearly every other compact SUV, except for the Astor and C3 Aircross. Furthermore, some vehicles in lower segments now include this feature as well.
Type C USB Ports
In an age where Apple and other smartphone manufacturers have transitioned to Type-C USB ports, the Honda Elevate still sticks with regular USB ports at the front. This decision to continue with older-generation technologies seems perplexing for a premium and modern SUV. Additionally, it offers only two regular USB ports at the front and a 12V socket. It thus leaves the latter as the only means of charging modern devices using an accessory. Moreover, at the rear, the Elevate provides only a 12V socket and no USB charging port.
Rear Sunblinds
Another feature notably absent in the Honda Elevate is rear window sunblinds. While not highly prevalent in this segment, the Creta and Seltos offer them in their higher-end variants. This could have been an opportunity for Honda to gain an edge over its competitors by providing this feature.
No Turbo Petrol Engine
Powering the Elevate is the same 1.5-liter naturally aspirated i-VTEC engine found in the City, delivering up to 121PS. This engine offers more power than similar engine options in the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. But it falls short in one crucial aspect. Unlike its segment rivals, the Elevate lacks the option of a turbocharged petrol engine. It is designed to provide top-spec buyers with a more exhilarating and fun-to-drive experience. This is in contrast to the more sedate nature of the naturally aspirated unit.
No Hybrid Powertrain
Despite sharing the same platform as the Honda City and utilising its i-VTEC engine, the Elevate misses out on the hybrid powertrain option offered in the City. This hybrid technology claims an impressive fuel economy of up to 27.13 kmpl. Interestingly, the Grand Vitara and Hyryder, two other SUVs in the segment, are equipped with extremely fuel-efficient powertrains. Including a hybrid powertrain could have made the Elevate stand out from most of its segment competitors.
However, it’s worth noting that Honda has confirmed the impending launch of an electric vehicle (EV) version of the Elevate, which is expected to be available by 2026. This strategic move could explain the decision to skip the hybrid electrification stage entirely. These are the significant features that the Honda Elevate lacks compared to its competitors. As automotive enthusiasts, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to experience this upcoming SUV firsthand. We encourage you to stay tuned to CarDekho for more information.
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