Honda Elevate: Observations from a driving & passenger perspective

When I shifted to the front passenger seat, I had to push it all the way back to stretch my legs comfortably.

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Test drove the Elevate CVT at the dealership I have booked with, yesterday morning. Opting for an early morning visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush, we found ourselves the first and only customers at the dealership. The test drive car, in its Golden Brown finish, caught our eye with its attractive appearance.

Here are my impressions from two brief drives, each covering approximately 4 km. I had the chance to experience the Elevate both as the driver and as a front-row passenger while my wife took the wheel.

Road Presence: For a CSUV, the Elevate boasts an impressive road presence, though it doesn’t have the imposing stance of larger SUVs. While it may not turn heads, the design is generally likeable

Driving Position and Comfort: View from the drivers seat is excellent and so is the driving position. My wife, who drives a Brio AT was very comfortable adapting to a CSUV stance. I particularly wanted to make sure the ergonomics are well sorted. Despite having to use the telescopic adjustment fully, I found the seat comfortable with it pushed back by around 70% and the height adjusted to about 65%. Surprisingly, there was still ample space behind me (I stand at 5′ 10″ and have a lean build)

Powertrain: The iVTEC CVT provided a smooth experience, similar to what I’ve experienced in the City. I’m growing to appreciate the well-balanced engine’s linear power delivery. However, I did notice that the initial torque and NVH levels were slightly lower in comparison (maybe the impact of years of driving a diesel)

Interior Layout: While some adjustments are needed to find the perfect driving position, the limited use of flashy elements is a welcome feature. The MID and infotainment screen appear non-distracting, and all controls are easily accessible. Having toggle switches for the AC instead of touch controls was a significant relief.

Build quality: The car exudes confidence in its solid build. This confidence is not only evident in how securely the doors close but also in how assuredly the chassis performs while on the move. However, it is disappointing to see cost cutting in the form minor things like not providing rubber beading to the doors!

Passenger Comfort: When I shifted to the front passenger seat, I had to push it all the way back to stretch my legs comfortably. The inclined footwell could pose an issue for taller passengers, particularly those over 6 feet. The rear bench is excellent for two passengers. Even with the front seat pushed all the way back, there was ample knee room for someone of my height. While the width may not be as limiting as it appears, the third passenger may find little thigh support due to the elevated seat contour.

Sunroof: Honda might’ve as well avoided what appears to be a pigeon hole of a sunroof. The small opening doesn’t offer much benefit, although I’m not particularly bothered by its inconspicuous presence.

While Honda has indeed cut corners in some areas, I couldn’t find any compelling reasons to be disappointed to the point of canceling my booking. Nevertheless, I’ll be reevaluating the driver seat ergonomics and awaiting the official launch before reaching a decision.

Sharing a few pictures I shot:

Boxy, butch styling:

Alongside the iconic sibling:

Passenger view, while on the move:

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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