The Honda Elevate has officially launched in South Africa, with the local arm of the Japanese automaker aiming to, ahem, elevate the compact-SUV segment with the newcomer. How, you ask? Well, if you take a look at the highlights of the Elevate, you might just realise why.
So, let’s look at the Elevate’s highlights … And there are many.
But where to start? Well, it is arguably best to start with its bodywork. You know, what the eye perceive first. A vehicle has to good look, no less. We will, however, admit that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yes, it’s subjective. Still, let’s kick off with the Elevate’s exterior design.
According to Honda SA, the Elevate, with its “bold” and “assertive” design elements, is sure to make an impression on the road. In addition, the firm says the Elevate guarantees to make a “dramatic” first impression.
The local Elevate line-up comprises of two derivatives, each fitted with LED lighting fore and aft, and “distinctive” daytime-running lights. However, it’s the the range-topping, Elegance variant’s exterior styling that’s most eye-catching.
The flagship model features automatic head- and taillamps and LED fog lamps, colour-coded door garnish, and “striking” 17-inch alloy wheels. (The lower-specced, Comfort model rides on a set of 16-inch steel wheels.)
Stepping inside (via keyless entry), the Elevate is, as standard, equipped with niceties such as automatic climate control and a multi-angle reverse camera system, which is supplemented by rear park distance sensors.
A brand-new, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is also present. (Elegance trim grade also features a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless smartphone charging.)
So, what powers the Honda Elevate? Well, the two-strong line-up is equipped with Honda’s 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, which sends 89 kW and 145 Nm of torque. Two transmission options are on offer, with the Comfort available with a six-speed manual gearbox and the Elegance exclusively equipped with a CVT. The latter sips a claimed 6.1 L/100 km while the former has am average fuel consumption of 6.7 L/100 km.
In terms of pricing, the Comfort will set you back R 369 900, while the Elegance is priced at R 429 900. Both models ship with a four-year/60 000 km service plan and a five-year/200 000 km warranty.