Honda is preparing a new model for reveal. This is the 2023 Honda Elevate SUV that will be revealed in early June 2023. Here’s what we know so far.
Honda’s teaser video (at the bottom of this article) shows a new SUV called the Elevate. Based on our assumptions, we reckon this Indian-built SUV will be positioned to take on the Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Hyundai Creta.
The brand has confirmed that the 2023 Honda Elevate will be a global model, with India being the first market to receive it. We understand the Honda Elevate will be riding on the same platform as the 5th-generation Honda City/Ballade. It’s fair to assume the powertrains from the sedan will be carried over too, and as a reminder, its a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 89 kW and 145 Nm. City/Ballade customers have the choice of either a manual gearbox or CVT.
This segment of the market is booming, both in South Africa and India. India is rapidly becoming a powerhouse for manufacturing and export of new vehicles.
According to Naamsa, the top country of origin in pure volume terms was again India, from which a whopping 165 910 vehicles (up from 129 364 units in 2021) were sourced. That translates to 51.2% of total light vehicles imported in 2022.
Of course, several global brands have established large-scale production facilities in India, focusing primarily on entry-level vehicles. Indeed, 2 of SA’s 5 best-selling passenger cars in 2022 came from India (the Suzuki Swift and Toyota Urban Cruiser), with the remaining 3 produced locally.
