Honda Elevate vs Skoda Octavia [2013-2015]

We spent time with the Honda Elevate to see if it is a case of 'better late than never' or 'too little, too late'.

A dozen years ago, the Indian car market didn’t have the choices it does today. The Honda City was the car we all aspired to, and those of us that couldn’t, got an Esteem. In an environment like this, an unknown Czech brand launched its German-engineered car, and everyone was stunned not just by the quality it offered at its price, but its fuel efficiency on the highway as well. The Octavia deservedly earned its reputation over the years; the follow-up, the Laura never really did grab the imagination of the car-buying public as much. Now Skoda has decided to get back to its roots and put the Octavia name back where it belongs. They claim that “The Legend Is Back”. Well, is it?

Honda has finally stepped into the fierce mid-size SUV segment with the Elevate. And the Japanese carmaker aims to change its fortunes in the country with it. The Elevate SUV has been developed and engineered from the ground up in India with more focus on the domestic market. So what is Honda bringing to the table where Korean giants like Hyundai and Kia are leading the pack? Let’s find out.