Honda Starts Booking New Elevate SUV Ahead of October Launch

Pre-Bookings Open

Honda Cars India has started taking advance bookings for the updated Elevate midsize SUV at dealerships nationwide. Buyers can reserve the vehicle by paying an initial deposit of Rs 21,000, leading up to its scheduled market release on October 6. Kunal Behl, Vice President for Marketing and Sales at Honda Cars India, noted that the vehicle has built strong recognition for its space, comfort, and driving experience, and the new model aims to build on these strengths with customer-requested additions.

Exterior and Cabin Updates

A company teaser video reveals several exterior changes, starting with a new glossy hexagonal grille where the brand logo has shifted from the mesh to the bonnet. The vehicle features segmented LED daytime running lights similar to the City facelift, alongside unchanged headlights and fog lamp housings, plus a newly added connected LED taillight strip. A camera pod spotted only on the left outside rearview mirror confirms the continuation of a single-side Lane Watch system. Inside, the cabin showcases a fresh dashboard layout with white leatherette padding, stitching, and amber ambient lighting strips on the dashboard and door panels, replacing the dealer-level accessory fitment of the older version. While the full feature list remains under wraps, potential upgrades include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a powered co-driver seat, and rear sunblinds.

Performance and Rivals

The updated SUV is expected to keep its 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which puts out 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. Transmission choices will remain a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-step CVT, while the 1.5-litre strong-hybrid option from the City sedan is unlikely to be included. Pricing for the outgoing model ranges from Rs 11.81 lakh to Rs 16.36 lakh ex-showroom, though these figures are expected to be revised at the launch. The vehicle continues to compete against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and Renault Duster.

Context

Midsize SUVs represent one of the most competitive segments in the Indian automobile market, prompting manufacturers to introduce mid-cycle refreshes to keep their offerings fresh against steady competition. Bookings opened with a token amount allow companies to gauge consumer interest and build a strong order backlog ahead of the actual delivery phase.