2024 Honda Elevate
Let’s be frank: Honda is not the powerhouse it once was in South Africa.
The days of V-TEC Civics and Type Rs running rampant on our roads are long gone – at least for new vehicles. And as the years drew on, sales declined, and buyers opted for more affordable alternatives; be it another Japanese brand or the latest influx of Chinese vehicles.
Still, Honda kept its head down, working hard to keep South Africans interested in its products, albeit with mixed results.
However, 2024 is a different year and the Japanese automaker is looking to elevate its position in the local market. Enter the newest member to Honda’s portfolio.
Rising up
While the Elevate made its global debut in June 2023, SA had to wait several months for the new SUV to make its arrival. And it’s a looker!
The Elevate boasts a bold, rugged design that gives it a menacing outlook on life. It looks wide, and our Elegance derivative stands proud on its 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
READ | New SUV ready to Elevate Honda in SA market
Add to it the LED front fog lights and automatic headlights and the Elevate Elegance is suddenly a worthy proposition to look at.
And this is what Honda wanted from the SUV that replaces the underwhelming WR-V: a vehicle that draws attention and keeps interest.
Not skimping about
Credit where credit is due, because Honda has really done its utmost to endow the Elevate with the best possible interior. Not only is it spacious, but there are ample comfort features to give buyers the best bang for their buck.
Across the range, Honda is fitted an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a wireless smartphone charger, six speakers in the Elegance model, keyless entry and -start, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There is also a raft of active and passive safety features, along with ISOFIX points and front, side, and side-curtain airbags.
Engine-wise, the 1.5-litre petrol engine offers 89kW and 145Nm and is linked with a CVT gearbox.
Is it worth considering?
Admittedly, Honda has a much smaller dealer footprint than before. This is a point that could deter potential buyers from looking at the Elevate, but it is by no means a defining factor.
Perceived quality is really good, and Honda’s new SUV looks and feels solid to the touch. Good materials are used all around, but it remains to be seen if the newcomer can withstand the test of time.
On the face of it, and with Honda’s reputation for being a trustworthy brand, it will come down to winning back the trust that has fallen away over the years. Will it be easy? Heck no! However, the Elevate might just be the vehicle to really set the ball rolling.
Price
Hona Elevate 1.5 Elegance CVT: R430 800
Pricing includes a four-year / 60 000km service plan, a five-year / 200 000km warranty, and a 3-year AA roadside assistance.
