Nice car!” That was the reaction of not just one or two, but five people in my neighborhood, upon seeing the blue Honda Elevate I was driving last week. I live in one of the least populated areas of the National Capital Region-—Greater Noida—where there are more birds, and cattle, than people. Therefore, those five people comprise a good sample size, especially if I tell you that they never uttered a word of appreciation for any of Elevate’s competitors I got home in the last few months. It could be because of the fact that those vehicles are more common than vehicles driven on the wrong side, or it could be that they found the Elevate to be genuinely eye-catching. Either way, it cannot be disputed that the Elevate looks different, and it does attract attention.
Interiors
Irrespective of what you and your neighbours think of its exterior, its cabin will have almost everyone, including you, saying in unison that it looks premium. If you ask me, I’d take it over everything else in the segment. I absolutely love the tan-brown upholstery, which is a relief in a sea of depressingly black interiors on one shore and unimaginative beige or mourning white fabrics on the other.
Ergonomically too, it’s perfect. All controls are where you expect them to be and there’s nothing playing hide & seek with you. Most importantly, there are proper buttons and switches for everything, which is something most others can learn from Honda.
Feature-wise, Honda has given everything that you need, and nothing that you don’t, but the lack of a 360-degree camera is a stingy and unacceptable omission in this segment. What’s more horrifying is the absence of front parking sensors.
However, you might forgive these transgressions upon realising that the Elevate’s all-around visibility is the absolute best in segment. The dashboard is placed beautifully low, which, combined with the high bonnet, would allow even Tyrion Lannister to be happy behind the wheel.
The huge wing mirrors are a blessing too. The left one includes a camera (an ADAS feature) and the moment you push the indicator stalk up or press the button at its end, the touchscreen shows if there’s an impatient Zomato or Swiggy guy on your left.
The boot is the biggest in segment, that too without any compromise in the seat comfort or space for the occupants. The headlights are also the best in segment. Okay, that one’s a tie with the Kushaq.
The Drive
Almost all brochure readers masquerading ss reviewers have complained that Honda should’ve given a turbocharged engine as an option. I vehemently disagree. This engine is a gem and all that you’d ever need in India. It’s a cinch to drive slow in city traffic, thanks to its unparalleled tractability, and enjoyable to drive fast, thanks to its silky, free-revving nature and the brilliant six-speed transmission. So, on the one hand, it pulls from 25 km/h in 3rd, without lugging, while on the other hand, it dismisses the 0–100 km/h sprint in 10.6 seconds. Fuel efficiency is the cherry on top. You can expect 12–14 km/l in the city and 16–18 km/l on the highways. The Elevate has the highest ground clearance in the segment and Honda still managed to keep its handling on a par with the rivals’. Its ride quality is decidedly better than all of them though, except the C3 Aircross’.
However, Honda needs to work on the sound insulation. The cabin gets noisy at triple digit speeds.
Verdict
The Elevate does the most crucial things better than almost the entire competition. That too at a much lower price than all except one. On top of that, it’s a Honda. That makes it a steal.