Honda Elevate

Positives:

• The 119bhp/145Nm 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine is impressively quiet and vibration-free at idle.
• This naturally aspirated engine provides a predictable power delivery with strong low- and mid-range torque.
• There’s adequate power, making it suitable for city driving and highway cruising.
• It has a six-speed manual transmission offering smooth clutch travel and a satisfying gearshift action.
• The manual gearbox effectively reduces the need for frequent downshifts on steep inclines, even in third gear.
• The steering provides good weight, offers adequate feedback, and returns to the original position after a U-turn.
• The well-judged suspension soaks up road irregularities, keeping the ride comfortable on uneven surfaces at low to medium speeds.
• The Elevate offers good overall stability and composure at triple-digit speeds.

Negatives:

• One needs to rev the engine beyond about 4,000rpm to maximise performance for sporty driving or a quick overtake.
• The steering feels slightly less quick on winding roads, requiring more turn-in to maintain an engaging drive experience.
• Its occupants will experience some vertical motion at higher speeds over bumps before settling down eventually.

Honda Elevate Key Specifications:

Positives:

• It has a sunroof and a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

• The well-bolstered seats provide ample cushioning and support for long drives.

• The Honda Elevate boasts superior ergonomics and outward visibility, making driving effortless.

• There’s ample rear legroom and headroom (scooped roof), large windows, and a comfortably reclined backrest, all enhancing second-row comfort.

• It has a bootspace of 458 litres, which can also be expanded through the 60:40 split-folding bench.

Negatives:

• It misses high-end features like electric seat adjustments, 360-degree camera, and additional storage spaces for small items in the second row.
• The touchscreen is functional but lacks the advanced interfaces that are now seen on rival models.
• The absence of Honda’s ‘magic seats’ is seen as a miss since it could have enhanced interior versatility.

Positives:

• Honda Sensing ADAS offers features such as Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), adaptive cruise control, and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
• It is equipped with a multi-angle rear-view camera with guidelines, parking sensors, and an auto-dimming IRVM.
• Standard safety features include six airbags, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, and brake assist.
• It gets a LaneWatch camera which effectively helps minimise blind spots and enhance safety.

Negatives:

• The Honda Elevate has not yet been tested by any NCAP authorities for a crash test safety rating.
• It has limited ADAS features such as the absence of rear cross-traffic alert.

Positives:

• It has an imposing front design with an upright grille, flat bonnet, and a distinctive squared-off SUV look.

• What’s nice is that the proportions are well-sorted, giving it a robust road presence without appearing oversized.

• The interior has a wooden insert on the dash and soft-touch materials that heighten the cabin’s upmarket feel.

• The single-tone colours are Phoenix Orange Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Golden Brown Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.
• The three dual-tone shades are Phoenix Orange Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, and Radiant Red Metallic, all available with Crystal Black Pearl roofs.

Negatives:

• The floating touchscreen design feels outdated in comparison to some competitors.
• Phone visibility on the charging tray is limited, and the storage slots inconveniently placed next to the handbrake are barely usable.
• The predominantly dark interior colour scheme might feel restrictive in terms of roominess, particularly in lower light.