Upcoming Honda Elevate Caught Testing In Japan With Light Veil, Reveals New Design Details

• Honda Elevate was spotted testing in Japan.

• Spied images reveal the lightly camouflaged rear.

• Taillights seem to resemble the ones on the new-gen WR-V.

• Silhouette likely to be upright with a flat bonnet and roofline.

• Will get a single-pane sunroof, no panoramic sunroof at launch.

• The Honda Elevate will be unveiled globally on June 6.

The Honda Elevate has been spied testing once again ahead of its global debut on June 6. The upcoming SUV was spotted with comparatively lighter camouflage up until now, and was actually being tested in Japan. So without any delays, let’s see what the pictures have in store for us:

New revelations

The spied images have been papped from the rear predominantly, one of them showing the rear three quarters of the SUV. As hinted by the teasers previously, the bonnet looks completely flat, just like the roofline, which only seems to slant a bit right at the end towards the rear windscreen. Both the front and rear end seem to be upright and in line with what previous teasers suggested. 

Not much is visible in the profile of the car but it does seem like the camouflage is trying to hide a rather flared front fender or a chunky wheel arch. Only time will confirm what it is and the only other visible thing are the alloys, which look rather basic and don’t really stand out as such.

From what’s visible at the rear, the taillights are quite similar in contour to the ones found on the new-gen WR-V. However, they could be a bit different once the drapes are off the Elevate’s exterior. 

Cabin and features

We still haven’t got any hints as to what the cabin of the Elevate would look like, but certain bits on the dash are likely to get a soft-touch plastic for a premium feel, while bits like the semi-digital instrument cluster, climate control panel and steering wheel could be carried over from the new City.

Information on the features list is scarce as well, with the single-pane sunroof being the only confirmed equipment on board. That apart, it could get ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, a wireless phone charger, Honda’s lane watch camera on the left ORVM and keyless entry with push-button start. Its safety kit may include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control with hill start assist, rear parking sensors, and possibly the City’s ADAS safety suite. 

Powertrains

In a segment where there are already diesel, turbo-petrol and petrol-hybrid powertrains, the Honda Elevate is expected to take the hybrid route as well, given that the technology is already there in the City sedan. So it could get the City’s 121PS 1.5-litre petrol and 126PS 1.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain options, geared using a 6-speed manual transmission for the former and a CVT, which will be common between the two.

Also Read: Here Are IPL Special Versions Of The Mahindra Thar & XUV400 EV

Honda will reveal the true identity of the Elevate on June 6, when the SUV makes its global debut. We expect the prices to start from the Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom) mark, which will make it a fitting rival to the likes of the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta, and the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross.

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