26

July

Honda Elevate – Honest Opinion After Keeping It for a Week

It’s a near-perfect car for Indian buyers who prioritize reliability, peace of mind, and value for money. Honestly, it deserves to sell like the Brezza in the sub-4m segment.

  • Value for Money: Ticks all vital fundamentals – a refined 1500cc i-VTEC engine that delivers the best performance among naturally aspirated petrols.
  • Manual Gearbox & Clutch: Perfectly tuned. Interior quality is top-notch. AC touch buttons and steering controls feel mature and classy.
  • Smooth Pull: No vibrations even when pulling from 20 km/h in 4th gear. It climbs effortlessly – that’s the magic of i-VTEC!
  • Extended Warranty: 10-year anytime warranty (1.20 lakh km) is a blessing in 2025, especially with ethanol-blended fuel concerns.
  • Features: 5 headrests, 4 rear parking sensors, lane watch camera, ADAS, 2-way steering adjustment, fog lamps, footwell lamp, boot lamp, wireless charging, and smart screen connectivity – all well appreciated.
  • Build Elements: Under-engine cover, large ORVMs, 220mm ground clearance, and bonnet insulation are thoughtful additions.
  • Steering: Feels perfectly weighted in most conditions. At 100+ km/h, a bit more weight would’ve made it ideal.
  • Brakes: Surprisingly sharp – felt at par with the Tiguan R-Line and T-Roc. Progressive, precise, and jerk-free.
  • Suspension: Very mature setup. Long suspension travel, yet remains stable at 80–100 km/h with minimal vertical movement.
  • Engine Noise: At 1700–2000 rpm, engine noise is 2–3 dBA higher than Slavia. While tyre noise is well contained, engine hum is slightly noticeable – though not bothersome.
  • Wind Noise: Above 100 km/h, wind noise creeps in due to large ORVMs.
  • Missing Features: No 360-degree camera or ventilated seats – both are genuine demands at this price point.
  • Fuel Tank Size: 40-litre capacity feels slightly small for highway-focused users.
  • Design: Front design, especially on non-black variants with chrome, lacks the appeal of Seltos or Kushaq.
  • No Turbo or Hybrid: Lack of a turbo engine or hybrid option means it misses out on a big chunk of today’s performance- or efficiency-seeking customers.
  • Paint & Detailing: Black paint shows slight orange peel effect, and some bolts were silver instead of black – rare misses in detailing from Honda.

I won’t talk about “good-to-have” features like subwoofers, powered driver seats, or panoramic sunroof – those are nice extras but shouldn’t be deal-breakers.

With the Elevate, you’ll appreciate your choice every day you drive it. It’s a no-nonsense, well-balanced car built for those who want a safe, fuss-free, and long-term companion.

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