Potential Honda Elevate Hybrid in Development for India?

Recent spy images from Brazil suggest that Honda is testing a hybrid version of the Elevate SUV, which may be set to launch in India. Following initial criticisms for not providing a hybrid option at the Elevate’s original release, the upcoming model is expected to share a powertrain with the City e:HEV, featuring a combination of a petrol engine and electric motors, amidst speculation regarding Honda’s future EV plans.

Honda has recently been observed testing the Elevate hybrid in Brazil, indicating potential plans for its introduction in India. The compact SUV segment in which the Elevate competes has grown significantly since its initial launch last year; however, Honda surprisingly did not unveil a hybrid variant at that time, despite the model sharing the same platform as the City, which does feature a hybrid option. Now, emerging spy images suggest that a greener iteration of the Elevate is indeed in development. The latest spy photographs showcase a fully camouflaged Elevate unit, likely to be similar to the model available in India. Given the extensive camouflaging, distinct aesthetic updates remain ambiguous, save for new alloy wheels. The design retains Honda’s signature flat front face characterized by an all-black rectangular grille and sleek LED headlights, ensuring its distinct identity. Inside, the Elevate hybrid is expected to mirror its Indian counterpart, complete with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch multimedia interface, automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, along with wireless smartphone charging capabilities. In terms of safety, features will likely include six airbags and Level 1 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) as part of Honda Sensing, which covers automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation systems, lane keeping assist, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control among others. The Elevate hybrid is anticipated to utilize the same powertrain as the City e:HEV, featuring a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with two electric motors. The petrol engine generates 98 bhp and 126 Nm of peak torque, while the electric motors deliver a combined output of 108 bhp and 253 Nm of torque. This configuration allows for battery recharging through regenerative braking, enabling the vehicle to operate in electric-only mode for limited durations. Although Honda previously indicated a lack of plans to offer a strong hybrid version of the Elevate in India, it is currently developing a fully electric variant expected by 2026. However, in light of Honda potentially pursuing the Elevate e:HEV and the observed downturn in the electric vehicle market, introducing a hybrid variant in India may be a prudent consideration.

Honda’s Elevate SUV was introduced last year in a competitive compact C-segment market. The absence of a hybrid version at launch raised questions, especially given that the City—a model sharing the Elevate’s platform—offers a hybrid variant. The Elevate’s failure to debut with hybrid technology was perceived as a missed opportunity by many automotive enthusiasts and industry experts. However, recent sightings of a prototype in Brazil have sparked speculation that Honda may be developing a hybrid variant of the Elevate, addressing earlier concerns about its lineup in the compact SUV category. This development is particularly noteworthy considering the global trend toward more sustainable automotive solutions.

The prospect of a Honda Elevate hybrid aligns with a growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles in the compact SUV market. Despite Honda’s initial stance against introducing a hybrid variant in India, the company’s ongoing development of an Elevate e:HEV may signify a strategic pivot in response to market dynamics and consumer interest in hybrid technology. With advanced safety features and a well-defined powertrain, the Elevate hybrid holds promise for Indian consumers seeking hybrid options in the compact SUV segment.

Original Source: www.financialexpress.com