New Compact SUV Honda Elevate | Will it be better than Citroen C3 Aircross?

Honda's new compact SUV (code-named 3US) has been spotted on-road during recent tests and is set to make its global debut on June 6th, with sales expected to start in August 2023. The official name of this new SUV has been revealed by Honda Car India as the Honda Elevate SUV, with an expected price range of Rs 12 lakh to Rs 19 lakh. 

The Honda Elevate SUV is not just limited to the Indian market, but will also cater to overseas markets, with initial plans to manufacture around 8,000 units per month, with a significant percentage allocated to exports. 

However, cracking the compact SUV segment won't be easy, as there is already tough competition from established bestsellers such as the Creta, Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq.

But there is one more compact SUV in the lineup from Citroen: Citroen C3 Aircross. Let’s see if Honda Elevate can beat C3 Aircross.

Exterior Design

Honda's upcoming Elevate SUV boasts a sporty and captivating design, much like other compact SUVs. Though the test mules have been spotted in full camouflage, some of their features are already apparent. These include a prominent nose, chunky grille, and bumper, along with sleek headlamps featuring top-mounted LED DRLs. 

The top-spec variants are expected to be equipped with LED headlamps. The SUV also has a rugged-looking skid plate visible in its outline, along with thick body cladding, muscular wheel arches, and liberal use of chrome accents. Its alloy wheel design appears to be similar to that of the 5th-gen Honda City. At the rear, the taillights resemble those of the new-gen WR-V, which is available in Indonesia and other Asian markets.

Dimensions

To meet the strong demand for SUVs worldwide, Honda has developed the Elevate as a new global model in their line-up. The SUV has been designed to incorporate people's lifestyle requirements and their expectations for Honda's new SUV. India will be the first market to launch the Honda Elevate. 

The SUV is expected to be around 4.2 to 4.3 meters long, which puts it on par with other leading compact SUVs in terms of street presence unless it has entirely unique and striking design elements. The Elevate's wheelbase is likely to be among the longest in its segment, ensuring spacious interiors.

Engine and Performance

The Honda Elevate compact SUV is built on the City platform and will feature the new twin-cam 1.5-litre petrol engine that can generate 121 PS of maximum power and 145 Nm of peak torque. Buyers will have the option of a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. 

At launch, the Honda Elevate will not offer diesel as most of the brand will now follow this. Some of its rivals, which may put it at a disadvantage, although Honda may introduce a strong hybrid version in the future. 

Honda's decision to enter the compact SUV segment is fitting, given that it is one of the fastest-growing segments in India. By using an existing platform, Honda can keep production costs down. 

The target audience for compact SUVs is generally open to trying new products, which bodes well for Honda's new compact SUV.

Features

Among the key interior features of the Honda Elevate SUV is a 10.2-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. Other equipment will include a 7-inch full-colour TFT instrument display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a dedicated connectivity platform, a premium sound system, a PM 2.5 air filter, automatic climate control, and an engine start/stop function.