Honda India is gearing up to unveil its latest midsize SUV, code-named 3US, on June 6, 2023, at a grand event in New Delhi.
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This new tailor-made SUV for the Indian market is expected to be called the Honda Elevate. The vehicle is based on the Honda City platform and boasts a strong and distinctive design that sets it apart from other midsize SUVs.
- At launch, the Honda Elevate will be powered by a 1.5 petrol engine, with no robust hybrid or diesel options.
- Despite this limitation, the vehicle will make a strong impression on the Indian market, where SUVs are increasingly popular.
- Look out for the Honda Elevate later this year when it sells in India before being released in other markets worldwide.
Spyshots
Based on recent spy shots, it’s evident the upcoming Honda SUV will possess robust SUV characteristics, in contrast to the BR-V, which could have hit better when blending MPV and SUV elements.
From the camouflaged images of the 3US, we can see that it features a commanding front end and a sturdy build.
Honda dealers who were given a sneak peek of the SUV during a private preview in Thailand were thrilled with the design and are optimistic that this brand-new SUV will not only make a splash but also boost Honda’s success.
Chunky cladding
Expect chunky cladding, muscular wheel arches, and plenty of chrome. The lights have received particular attention, with sharp styling upfront and LED headlamps for top variants. The tail lights at the back resemble those of newer Honda products, such as the latest-gen WR-V available in Indonesia.
The SUV market in India is highly competitive, with popular models like the Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, Hyryder, Taigun, and Kushaq dominating the midsize SUV space.
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New entrant
However, Honda is aggressively vying for a spot in this market and is planning to produce up to 8,000 units of their new SUV each month in India, with a significant portion of them being exported. It remains to be seen how this latest entry from Honda will fare against the top contenders, but it’s certainly one to watch closely.
The SUV will measure between 4.2-4.3 metres in length and have a wheelbase comparable to other cars in its segment. It is reported the interior space of this upcoming SUV will be impressive. This SUV will also share its platform and engines with the fifth-generation City.
Specs
Elevate will have a twin cam 1.5 petrol engine used in their City sedan. This will likely be the only engine option available during the launch, but they will introduce a strong-hybrid line-up later. Like the City, the SUV is expected to come with a 6-speed manual or a CVT for the 1.5 petrol. Unfortunately, there won’t be any diesel option available.
It will compete with the Creta and have a large 10.2-inch free-standing touchscreen. The rest of the features are expected to be quite competitive as well.
The SUV will be unveiled globally in India on June 6, 2023, but it will only be available for purchase in August 2023. It is speculated that the price tag will be Rs 12 lakh-19 lakh, slightly higher than its rivals.
Source: Autocar India
