The Indian arm of Honda announced an all-new model that is set to debut this summer. The Honda Elevate will belong to the urban SUV segment, as the only high-riding offering in the automaker’s current lineup in India. However, it won’t be limited to the local market, as the automaker intends on exporting it.
Honda was coy on details, with the official teaser that was published on social media only revealing a small portion of the tailgate with the “Elevate” lettering. The name choice is unusual judging from the fact that most Honda-branded SUVs adopt a three-letter format (WR-V, HR-V, ZR-V, and CR-V).
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With a rumored length between 4.2 and 4.3 m (165.3 – 169.3 inches), the Honda Elevate will be longer than the Indonesian-spec WR-V and slightly shorter than the EU-spec HR-V. RushLane reports that the new SUV will be mechanically related to the Honda City.
This means it could be powered by the 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine which makes 119 hp (89 kW / 121 PS) and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. Power will be transmitted to the front axle through either a six-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. In the future, Honda could add a self-charging hybrid variant in order to better compete with the electrified offerings of rival brands.
The Honda Elevate will face strong competition in the Indian market, fighting against the likes of the similarly-sized Hyundai Creta / Kia Seltos, VW Taigun / Skoda Kushaq, and Suzuki Grand Vitara / Toyota Hyryder. Local media report that the official debut of the urban SUV is scheduled for June 6, with the first deliveries expected in August.
