The Elevate moniker will be used for the 3-row variant of the new midsize SUV From Honda
Honda Cars India’s upcoming midsize SUV could be called the Elevate as the moniker has been trademarked by the automaker.
Having dropped plans to launch the previous generation HR-V and an Amaze-based sub-4-metre SUV, the Japanese firm is now looking to introduce a midsize SUV underpinned by the City C-segment sedan’s architecture.
Initially, Honda had plans to launch both a compact SUV and a midsize SUV. Since the compact SUV market has gotten too crowded over the years, Honda is now looking to only launch its midsize SUV in India.
The Honda Elevate midsize SUV is likely to be offered in 2 variants – a 4.3 metres long 5-seater that will rival the Kia Seltos and a longer 6/7-seater that will duke it out with the Hyundai Alcazar.
Code-named 31XA and internally known as the S-SUV, the upcoming midsize SUV could look similar to the 2022 BR-V which was showcased as the N7X concept in May. Chances are Honda might launch the exact same car in India.
It is said that the Honda Elevate trademark has been reserved for the 3-row model, while the 2-row variant could be named differently, if Honda follows Hyundai’s naming strategy.
The carmaker wants to be able to sell around 40,000 units of its S-SUV a year. To be able to do that, Honda knows the car’s pricing has to be aggressive, and thus is looking at localisation levels of over 90 percent.
It will borrow the engines (both 1.5-litre petrol and diesel), CVT gearbox and select suspension componentry, from the fifth-generation City. Also, the new BR-V/Elevate will use the old BR-V’s electrical and electronic architecture.
Expect the Honda Elevate to be introduced in September 2023, while its 5-seat sibling could be launched a bit earlier.