Honda Elevate Drive Review – Like its sedan counterpart, the fifth-generation City, the Elevate features the latest version of Honda’s 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine. This was slightly modified to match the Elevate body style. However, unlike the City, the Elevate doesn’t offer an e: HEV option, resulting in a limited choice of powertrain between a 6-speed manual and a CVT (continuously variable transmission) combined with the same 1.5-litre engine.
The engine is perfect for daily city commutes and even weekend freeway trips. However, if you’re looking for a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping ride, you might find the performance a little underpowered. On the other hand, the manual transmission offers a smooth ride. It should be noted that Honda’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) has been significantly modified to solve the elastic effect problem that many CVTs suffer from. The CVT mimics the downshift of a traditional manual transmission for a surprisingly engaging and lively driving experience. A description not often associated with CVT transmissions.
Driving dynamics: Confident and safe on the road The performance of the CVT has been improved through careful adjustments. Thanks to the smooth adaptation of the engine speed (RPM) to the vehicle speed, there is no feeling of slowing down. And by creating a sense of connection between driver and vehicle, it bridges the gap between traditional manual and CVT transmissions, allowing for a more enjoyable driving experience. With better adaptability to accelerator pedal inputs, vehicle speed and engine speed, the CVT is now better designed for dynamic and comfortable driving. Here’s what the company has to say about Elevate Safety.
The driving dynamics of the Elevate meet the renowned Honda standards and ensure a balanced and comfortable driving experience. The suspension tuning is tuned to provide a smooth and consistent ride, effectively absorbing most bumps in the road for a comfortable driving experience. Whether you’re cruising the speed limit or cornering, Elevate stays calm and stable to inspire driver confidence. A notable driving dynamics feature of the Elevate is its responsive and balanced steering. The steering system adapts to the speed of the vehicle and provides sufficient resistance and feedback. This allows for a better ride feel and easier control. Carefully tuned to strike a balance between comfort and stability, the Elevate offers a grounded, comfortable, and soothing daily commute.
Honda Elevate Drive Review: The handy balance feature and charm of Marvel’s Elevate is a total package that could have rocked the market if it had been released a few years earlier. Even if it lacks some eye-catching features like a panoramic sunroof or ventilated seats, the focus remains on functionality. This alone makes it an attractive choice for many buyers. The lack of e:HEV technology in some other Honda models may have hurt the showroom appeal.
In today’s highly competitive compact SUV market, Elevate’s USP is its versatility. And of course the certainty that it is a Honda product. It might not have all the bells and whistles that some rivals offer. However, this is offset by the good overall performance and reliability that Honda is known for. The decision not to include certain audience features like a panoramic sunroof or ventilated seats may have been a strategic decision.And put the focus back on providing customers with a value-based, practical proposition. While such features are attractive to some, they do not always have a significant impact on the vehicle’s basic functionality and performance. Instead, Elevate focuses on comfort and stability while driving, which is in line with its market position.
Review Elevate Interior: Refined and Spacious Honda has introduced a refined and luxurious interior to the Elevate. features a clean design and liberal use of leather for a luxurious feel. The combination of two tones of black and brown adds opulence to the whole and enhances the atmosphere of the cabin.
Despite these efforts, some might find the cabin design a bit lacking. Today’s interiors have advanced by at least half a generation in terms of interior aesthetics. The front seats offer good back support and comfort for a pleasant driving experience. However, taller riders or passengers might have concerns about thigh support. Surprisingly, unlike many other Honda models, passenger legroom is relatively limited, which can be noticeable on long journeys. Luckily, the second row seats fit perfectly with Honda’s “maximum man, minimum machine” philosophy and offer enough space for three adults. Clever use of space creates a comfortably roomy rear seat, ideal for long journeys and family outings. Honda’s claim that the Elevate has the larges trunk in its segment aligns with our experience. The trunk has been carefully designed to offer practicality and usability without any gimmicks. The large space allows for easy storage of luggage and other items. It’s a practical choice for daily errands or long trips.
Elevate Tech: Intelligent infotainment interface and sensor technology package The high-end variant of the Elevate offers a number of technical features. These include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a mix of digital and analogue instrument clusters (similar to the fifth-generation City), a wireless smartphone charger, a sunroof and the Honda Sensing technology package. The package includes, among other things, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as the collision mitigation system, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The touchscreen infotainment system impresses with its responsiveness and user-friendly interface. The inclusion of physical buttons in the basic controls adds to the overall ease of use. The addition of physical buttons for climate control also gives Elevate extra points in terms of practicality. While the Elevate tech offering is comprehensive and self-contained, it is important to note that customer expectations have evolved.
It should now contain some “worthwhile” features. Many major competitors now offer power driver seats, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroofs and head-up displays. They are not included in Elevate’s feature list. These omissions might not have a significant impact on those looking for value for money. But they can become the go-to place for customers looking for a more feature-rich experience.
Segment positioning: Should be a budget SUV choice While Honda tries to position the Elevate as a competitively priced option in the market, the lack of some advanced features might be forgivable. Customers may find the compromise justified if the vehicle is cheaper than the competition. However, if Honda decides to charge a premium for brand value and reliability, the Elevate could face stiffer competition from models with richer features, which could put its market positioning at a disadvantage. Honda’s pricing strategy will play an important role in determining Elevate’s competition in a crowded market where add-on features are becoming more important to customers’ purchasing decisions.
