After years of waiting, Honda finally launched its first proper SUV in India, the Elevate. The Elevate seems like a no-nonsense product in the fiercely fought C-SUV segment. But one SUV is not enough, is it? Honda needs a sleeve of SUVs if it has to survive the Indian market. Earlier it was expected that it would bring WR-V, a compact SUV, to take on the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue etc. However, we think the WR-V will come later, first, we think Honda could bring a 7-seater based on the Elevate. The Elevate 7-seater would take on the new Safari, XUV700 and MG Hector Plus. In today’s article, let’s talk about the Honda Elevate 7-seater.
Honda Elevate 7-seater
Honda has the option to enter two new segments in India. One option is to enter the Compact SUV segment with WR-V or bring a 7-seater Elevate to take on the mid-size SUV segment. The 7-seater option makes more sense from a business standpoint for Honda. It has already localised parts for the Elevate, and that would save Honda a lot of investment. Also, the profit margin in the 7-seater segment is more compared to the Compact SUV segment.
Moreover, the WR-V sold outside India is bigger than 4 meters. So Honda will need to do some re-engineering to remove the extra length for tax benefits. Still, it’s not impossible, and we expect Honda to bring back the WR-V, but before that, we should see the Elevate 7-seater.
What could change?
The Elevate 7-seater could get a slightly tweaked exterior design. It would be something similar to what Hyundai does with the Creta and Alcazar. The first major change will be a increased length to accomodate the thrid row. Wheelbase should remain the same, as it is already one of the highest in the segment. Other changes could include new LED headlamps, grille and bumper. The overall tall stance of the Elevate should continue in this 7-seater version. Probably with the increased length, we could see bigger tyres.
In the interiors, we don’t expect any major changes on the dashboard. There will be some minor tweaks to differtinate it from the 5-seater model. One major change could be new upholstery colour on the 7-seater version. What about new features? The Elevate 7-seater could get new features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, rear sunblinds etc .
Specifications
The Elevate comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine capable of producing 119bhp and 145Nm of torque. This engine is decent enough on the Elevate, but on a 7-seater we are not quite sure if this would be sufficient on the Elevate 7-seater with the added weight. Honda for that matter used this same engine on the BR-V, the brands budget 7-seater. Transmission options should include a manual and an automatic option. What about a hybrid engine option? Considering the Elevate misses out on it, we don’t think the Elevate 7-seater will get it. Rather, it could come with an electric version that is expected to come in the next 2-3 years on the 5-seater version.
Honda Elevate 7-seater – Launch and pricing
Honda has stated that it plans to launch four new SUVs by 2030. So when can we expect the Elevate 7-seater? We think the Elevate 7-seater could be launched in the second half of 2024 or 2025. Pricing-wise, the Elevate 7-seater should be around 2 lakh more expensive than the 5-seater model. Considering the additional costs, the price range of Elevate 7-seater could start from Rs 15 lakh and go to Rs 21 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).
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Honda’s next car to be the Elevate 7-seater? Rival to the new Safari? read on MotorOctane.