Honda’s recently launched Elevate SUV, tailor-made for the Indian market, is already in high demand. While it officially hit the market on September 4, 2023, Honda dealers began accepting bookings as early as July 3, 2023. However, prospective buyers are now facing a considerable waiting period of approximately six months, according to Kunal Bhel, VP of Marketing and Sales at Honda Cars India.
The Elevate comes in various trims, including SV, V, VX, and ZX, with introductory prices ranging from Rs 11 lakh for the base SV variant to Rs 16 lakh for the top-of-the-line ZX variant equipped with a CVT automatic gearbox (ex-showroom). Among these variants, the SV and V models have a relatively shorter waiting period of around two to three months. In contrast, the higher-spec Elevate VX and ZX models are witnessing a waiting period of approximately six months at most locations.
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Interestingly, the demand for Elevate bookings has surged since its official launch, primarily due to its competitive pricing. Even before the prices were announced, dealers noted greater demand for the higher-spec variants, thanks to their feature-packed offerings. Honda has now revealed that roughly 60 percent of all Elevate bookings are for the VX and ZX variants, with a significant 65 percent opting for the CVT gearbox-equipped trims. Notably, the Elevate ZX CVT stands out as the most affordable automatic midsize SUV among its rivals with similar powertrains.
Under the hood, the Elevate SUV shares its powertrain with the City model, featuring a 121hp, 145Nm, 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-step CVT automatic transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Elevate manual claims to return 15.31 kilometers per liter (kmpl), while the CVT version offers 16.92 kpl. Real-world figures may slightly differ.
Buyers interested in adding a touch of personalization to their Elevate can opt for Obsidian Blue Pearl and Platinum White Pearl paint finishes, which come at an additional cost of Rs 8,000 and are available on the V, VX, and ZX trims. Furthermore, there are three dual-paint options exclusive to the top-spec ZX trim, with a premium ranging from Rs 20,000 to 28,000, depending on the chosen color.
In the competitive Indian SUV market, the Honda Elevate faces off against formidable rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor. While these rivals come with their unique features, including diesel and hybrid powertrain options, the Elevate aims to carve its niche with its stylish design, impressive features, and attractive pricing.
As customer deliveries begin in select cities and test drives gain momentum, the Elevate is poised to be a strong contender in India’s compact SUV segment. Its early success suggests that it has struck a chord with Indian consumers looking for a stylish, feature-rich, and affordable SUV option.
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