Honda Elevate Facelift Bookings Open Ahead Of October Launch

Honda Cars India has started accepting pre-launch bookings for the updated Elevate SUV across all authorized dealerships, requiring a token amount of Rs 21,000. India is set to become the first market to receive this refreshed model ahead of its official launch on October 6. According to Honda, the update brings bolder styling, a more premium cabin, and several customer-requested features.

Design Changes

Official teasers and dealership updates reveal a new grille design featuring glossy hexagonal elements alongside a Honda logo moved from the grille to the bonnet. The exterior also adds segmented LED DRLs similar to the City facelift and a connected LED taillight. Spy shots and teasers further highlight a fresh dashboard design with white leatherette padding, stitching, and amber-hued ambient lighting strips on the dashboard and door pads. Meanwhile, a camera pod spotted on the left outside rearview mirror confirms the continuation of the Lane Watch camera system.

Performance And Rivals

Kunal Behl, Vice President for Marketing and Sales at Honda Cars India, stated that the refreshed model builds upon the strong design, road presence, safety, and comfort of the original SUV introduced in September 2023. The facelift retains the existing 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine that generates 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. Transmission choices continue to include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic gearbox. The updated SUV will compete against midsize rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, 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 regularly introduce visual and feature updates to maintain sales momentum. Facelifts typically arrive three years into a vehicle's market lifecycle to keep consumer interest high against newer competitors.