Are Honda about to Elevate their sales ranking with their new offering? Rebaneilwe Semakane has this to say
We all know how Honda is synonymous with reliability and longevity, giving consumers peace of mind and solid products. Furthermore, you still see plenty of old Hondas on the road today, which attest to this. However, we have not seen them dominate the sales charts in a while. Enter the Elevate, a new budget offering that may restore them to their former glory.
The Elevate launched in February of 2024, and once it graced my driveway, I was instantly impressed. The boxy upright styling gives it a very cool and modern look, coupled with a large grille, daytime running LEDs and fog lamps slotted at the bottom. The vehicle also has a raised ride height adding to the SUV look, and some roof rails that give it a very capable and robust aura.
On the interior you are met by solid materials used all around the cabin. A multifunction steering wheel, an infotainment system screen that has Apple Carplay and Android Auto functionality, a wireless charging bay and two USB ports, so I’d call that generously equipped. An analogue display is always welcome in a word of intensive digital clusters, so that was a relief. Ergonomically, the cabin is well laid out, easy to use and the materials feel like they could last a long time.
When it comes to the drive, the Honda Elevate is powered by a 1.5l engine that produces 89kW and 145Nm, mated to a CVT box. Now, we all shriek when we hear CVT but as time went on, I’ve developed a better relationship with them, and concede that the average consumer just wants the convenience of an auto. So, fine.
The vehicle drives decently, if you don’t mind the drone. This is particularly prevalent on highway driving. With urban driving, the vehicle fares much better. It’s a perfect city slicker, very much recommended for the school or grocery run. Boot space is also quite generous, making this a sensible choice for small families. I averaged about 6.6l/100km on my weeklong test and on a full tank, you get about 500km of range. The lack of cruise control, however, is a letdown. Ultimately, I think the car is a lovely offering and it is playing in a highly contested budget crossover segment, so in its own right, it is noticeable and has a personality.
The pricing for the Honda Elevate Elegance is R429 900, which also made me wonder if it is still considered budget after breaching the 400k mark. On the other hand, it is a product that speaks for itself – a no fuss, no frill package, where you get what you pay for.