Honda Elevate VX CVT

Hello car enthusiasts and future car owners. The journey of buying a new car in India is often filled with excitement and a fair bit of head-scratching. You think about your budget, the safety features that protect your loved ones, the monthly maintenance costs, the latest tech, and of course, the peace of mind that comes with good company service. In the bustling Indian SUV market, a new contender has arrived that is making waves: the Honda Elevate. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a specific variant, the Honda Elevate VX CVT. Is this the compact SUV you have been waiting for? Let us find out.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Honda Elevate VX CVT comes with a reliable and well-proven engine from Honda.

• Type: 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine
• Maximum Power: 121 PS at 6600 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 145 Nm at 4300 rpm
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

This engine is known for its smoothness and refinement, offering a relaxed driving experience perfect for city commutes and highway cruising.

Design Overview

Exterior:

The Elevate stands out with its bold and muscular SUV design. It has a strong road presence, thanks to its upright stance and large grille.

• Front: Features a prominent grille with the Honda logo, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. The robust bumper adds to its commanding look.
• Side: Clean lines, squared-off wheel arches, and 17-inch alloy wheels give it a balanced and purposeful profile.
• Rear: L-shaped LED tail lamps and a chunky bumper complete the robust SUV appeal. The VX trim gets chrome door handles and roof rails which add to its premium feel.

Interior:

Step inside, and you are greeted by a spacious and practical cabin.

• Layout: A dual-tone beige and black theme provides an airy feel. The dashboard is thoughtfully laid out with physical buttons for ease of use.
• Comfort: Seats are well-cushioned and offer good support, making long journeys comfortable. There is ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
• Visibility: The large glass area ensures good all-around visibility, a boon in city traffic.

Key Features

The Elevate VX CVT is packed with features that enhance convenience and comfort.

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Electric sunroof
• Automatic climate control
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Rear AC vents
• Push-button start/stop
• Steering-mounted controls
• Rear parking camera with guidelines
• LED projector headlamps and LED DRLs

What is the Ground Clearance of Honda Elevate VX CVT?

The Honda Elevate offers an impressive ground clearance, perfect for tackling Indian roads.

• Ground Clearance: 220 mm

What is the Boot Space of Honda Elevate VX CVT?

For families and travel enthusiasts, boot space is a crucial factor.

• Boot Space: 458 litres

What is the Dimensions of Honda Elevate VX CVT?

Here are the key dimensions of the Honda Elevate:

• Length: 4312 mm
• Width: 1790 mm
• Height: 1650 mm
• Wheelbase: 2650 mm

Powertrain Options

The Honda Elevate is exclusively offered with one engine option but two transmission choices.

• Engine: 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine
• Transmissions:
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (as in the VX CVT variant)

The CVT variant, which we are discussing, offers a smooth and convenient driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Honda, and the Elevate VX CVT comes well-equipped to ensure your peace of mind.

• Dual front airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Rear parking camera
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

NCAP Rating Table

The Honda Elevate has proven its mettle in crash tests.

This 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP is a strong testament to the Elevate's structural integrity and safety standards, offering great peace of mind.

Rivals of Honda Elevate VX CVT

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive. The Honda Elevate VX CVT competes with popular models like:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

• Refined Engine and Smooth CVT: The 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine paired with the CVT offers a very smooth and linear power delivery, excellent for city driving and relaxed highway cruising.
• Excellent Ride Quality: Honda has tuned the suspension well, providing a comfortable ride that handles bumps and undulations with ease.
• Spacious and Practical Cabin: One of the most spacious interiors in its class, offering great comfort for all passengers and generous boot space.
• High Ground Clearance: With 220 mm of ground clearance, it is well-suited for varied Indian road conditions.
• Strong Safety Rating: A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating gives immense confidence in its safety credentials.
• Honda Reliability: Backed by Honda's legendary reliability and extensive service network.
• Good Road Presence: Its bold and upright design ensures it stands out on the road.

Cons:

• No Turbo Petrol or Diesel Option: Unlike some rivals, the Elevate only offers a naturally aspirated petrol engine. This might disappoint those looking for more punch or better fuel economy from a diesel.
• Missing Some 'Premium' Features: While well-equipped, the VX variant misses out on certain features like ventilated seats, full ADAS suite (reserved for ZX), or a panoramic sunroof which some competitors offer.
• Interior Design is Functional, Not Flashy: The interior is practical and well-built, but some might find it a bit conventional compared to the more futuristic designs offered by rivals.
• CVT Can Feel Sluggish Under Hard Acceleration: While smooth, the CVT can exhibit the typical 'rubber band' effect when you press hard on the accelerator, especially during quick overtakes.

Conclusion:

The Honda Elevate VX CVT emerges as a very strong contender in the crowded compact SUV segment. It brings Honda's renowned engineering, reliability, and comfort to a segment hungry for practical and safe family cars. If you are looking for a spacious, comfortable, safe, and reliable SUV with a refined automatic transmission for your daily commutes and occasional highway trips, and you value peace of mind over raw performance or flashy tech gadgets, the Elevate VX CVT should definitely be on your shortlist. It is a well-rounded package that promises a hassle-free ownership experience and is truly a car that lives up to the Honda name. Visit your nearest Honda showroom and take it for a test drive to experience it yourself. Happy car hunting!