Honda Elevate VX CVT Apex Edition

Buying a new car is always a big decision, isn't it? You juggle so many factors: your budget, the safety features for your family, how much monthly maintenance will cost, the latest features you want, and of course, the company's after-sales service. These are crucial points that make or break your buying experience. Today, we are taking a deep dive into an exciting new offering that aims to tick all these boxes: the new Honda Elevate VX CVT Apex Edition. Let's see if this stylish SUV from Honda has what it takes to be your next ride in India.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Honda Elevate VX CVT Apex Edition packs a proven and reliable powertrain. You get the familiar and well-regarded 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine. This engine is known for its refinement and smooth power delivery, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising. It’s a naturally aspirated unit, focusing on linear performance.

• Engine Type: 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC petrol
• Maximum Power: 121 PS (approx 119 bhp) at 6600 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 145 Nm at 4300 rpm
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Design Overview

The Honda Elevate makes a strong statement with its design, and the Apex Edition adds a touch of exclusive flair to its already appealing looks.

Exterior Design

The Elevate boasts a bold, upright SUV stance that gives it a strong road presence. The large, upright grille with a thick chrome bar, sleek LED headlamps, and well-defined lines make it stand out. The Apex Edition further enhances this with unique styling accents like special Apex badging, wheel arch cladding, body side moulding, and chrome fender garnish, giving it a slightly more rugged and distinctive look. LED projector headlamps and stylish alloy wheels complete the premium appeal. Its robust design is well-suited for Indian road conditions.

Interior Design

Step inside, and you are greeted by a spacious and comfortable cabin. The interior design is practical and modern, focusing on driver and passenger comfort. The VX CVT Apex Edition features a dual-tone theme, premium fabric or leatherette seat covers (depending on specific Apex package details), and a clear, uncluttered dashboard. The ergonomically placed controls and good visibility make driving a pleasant experience. Rear passenger space is particularly generous, a hallmark of Honda vehicles, ensuring comfort on longer journeys.

Key Features

The Elevate VX CVT Apex Edition is well-equipped with features that enhance convenience and connectivity, making every drive enjoyable.

• Infotainment System: Large 10.25-inch touchscreen with crisp display, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Connectivity: Honda Connect for a suite of connected car features like geo-fencing and vehicle diagnostics
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof, adding an airy feel and natural light to the cabin
• Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless phone charger in the center console
• Climate Control: Fully automatic climate control for optimal cabin temperature
• Honda LaneWatch: A smart camera-based system that displays the left-side blind spot on the infotainment screen when you indicate left, enhancing safety during lane changes
• Rear Dashcam: A significant and highly practical addition in the Apex Edition for added security and recording (both front and rear views)
• Rear Parking Camera with multi-view options for easier parking
• Push Start/Stop Button with Smart Entry for keyless convenience

What is the Ground Clearance of Honda Elevate?

One of the practical advantages of the Honda Elevate, especially for navigating varied Indian roads, is its generous ground clearance.

• Ground Clearance: 220 mm

What is the Boot Space of Honda Elevate?

The Elevate offers ample boot space, making it suitable for family trips, carrying luggage, or even a week's worth of groceries.

• Boot Space: 458 litres

What are the Dimensions of Honda Elevate?

Understanding the dimensions helps you gauge the car's presence on the road and its maneuverability in tight city spaces.

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

Powertrain Options

The Honda Elevate offers a single, well-regarded engine option, but with two transmission choices. For the VX CVT Apex Edition, your transmission choice is specifically designed for smooth, effortless driving.

• Engine: 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC Petrol
• Transmission Options: 6-speed Manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• The VX CVT Apex Edition specifically comes with the highly smooth and efficient CVT gearbox, perfect for city traffic and relaxed highway cruising.

Safety Features

Honda has prioritized safety in the Elevate, offering a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features to protect you and your loved ones.

• Airbags: 4 Airbags (Dual front airbags, and Driver & Co-passenger Side airbags)
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for controlled braking
• VSA: Vehicle Stability Assist (Honda’s Electronic Stability Control) to prevent skidding
• HSA: Hill Start Assist, preventing rollback on inclines
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts for secure child seat installation
• Rear Parking Sensors for easier maneuvering in tight spots
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that flashes hazards during hard braking
• Multi-angle Rear Camera for improved visibility while reversing
• Honda LaneWatch camera system for enhanced blind spot awareness

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a critical factor for many buyers. The Honda Elevate has performed commendably in crash tests, instilling confidence in its protective capabilities.

Rivals of Honda Elevate VX CVT Apex Edition

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive in India, with numerous strong contenders. The Honda Elevate VX CVT Apex Edition faces strong competition from several popular models:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here’s a balanced look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Honda Elevate VX CVT Apex Edition.

Pros (Advantages)

• Smooth and Refined Engine: The 1.5L i-VTEC engine is a gem, offering excellent refinement and linear power delivery, especially with the seamless CVT.
• Spacious Cabin: Honda's 'Man Maximum, Machine Minimum' philosophy shines through with a very roomy interior, particularly for rear passengers, ensuring comfort for all.
• High Ground Clearance: At 220 mm, it confidently tackles bad roads, potholes, and speed breakers common on Indian roads.
• Strong Safety Rating: A 5-star Bharat NCAP and ASEAN NCAP rating instills great confidence in its structural integrity and safety features.
• Honda Reliability: Known for long-term reliability, robust build quality, and comparatively low maintenance costs.
• Premium Features: Large 10.25-inch touchscreen, electric sunroof, wireless charger, and Honda LaneWatch add significantly to convenience and a modern driving experience.
• Apex Edition Exclusives: The integrated dual dashcam (front and rear) is a valuable addition for security, recording incidents, and providing peace of mind.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• No Turbo Petrol Option: Lacks the punchier, high-performance turbo engine option offered by some rivals, which might be a deal-breaker for enthusiasts.
• No Panoramic Sunroof: Only gets a single-pane electric sunroof, while several competitors in the segment offer more expansive panoramic sunroofs.
• No ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) on VX/Apex: While the top-end ZX variant gets Honda SENSING ADAS, the VX CVT Apex Edition misses out on these advanced active safety features.
• Limited Apex Edition Additions: The Apex Edition primarily adds cosmetic enhancements and a dashcam, rather than significant new comfort or tech features over the standard VX trim.
• Interior Design Could Be More Exciting: While practical and ergonomic, some might find the interior design a bit conservative compared to the flashier, more futuristic cabins of some rivals.

Conclusion

The Honda Elevate VX CVT Apex Edition presents a compelling package for Indian car buyers looking for a reliable, safe, and spacious compact SUV. It builds on Honda's strong reputation for engineering, comfort, and adds practical features like the integrated dashcam, making it even more appealing. While it might miss out on a few segment-first features like a panoramic sunroof or a turbo petrol engine in this specific trim, its core strengths – a refined engine, comfortable ride, excellent cabin space, high ground clearance, and a stellar safety rating – make it a very strong contender.

If you prioritize peace of mind, Honda's legendary reliability, a spacious and comfortable family car, and a vehicle that is built to last and confidently handle Indian conditions, the Elevate VX CVT Apex Edition deserves a serious look. It's a sensible, stylish, and trustworthy choice for families and individuals alike, promising a hassle-free ownership experience. We highly recommend taking a test drive to experience its capabilities and comfort for yourself!