Honda Elevate Hybrid Spotted Testing in Brazil: A Potential India-Bound Variant?

Honda has been spotted testing a hybrid Elevate model in Brazil, indicating potential developments for a greener version of the SUV. Initially, Honda launched the Elevate without a hybrid option despite its shared platform with the City. The new hybrid variant is expected to incorporate advanced safety features, a familiar interior layout, and a powertrain akin to the City e:HEV. This shift comes as Honda contemplates market needs in light of declining electric vehicle sales globally.

Honda has been testing the Elevate hybrid model, captured in recent spy photographs from Brazil, suggesting developments for a greener version of this SUV. Originally launched last year in a competitive compact C-segment market, the Elevate did not feature a strong hybrid option, despite sharing a platform with the Honda City, which offers such a powertrain. This decision raised eyebrows among enthusiasts and industry experts, who considered it a lost opportunity for Honda. The hybrid version appears similar to the Indian model, as evidenced by the latest spy images displaying a thoroughly camouflaged vehicle. Observers noted subtle differences, such as new alloy wheels, but most exterior details resemble those of the existing Elevate. Notably, the vehicle retains its hallmark design elements, including a flat front face with an all-black rectangular grille, sleek LED headlights, and distinct tail lights. Inside, it is anticipated that the Elevate hybrid will maintain the same interior layout as its Indian counterpart, featuring a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch multimedia interface, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless charging capabilities. Safety remains a priority, with expected features including six airbags and Honda’s Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), encompassing automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, among others. As for performance, the Elevate hybrid will likely utilize the powertrain from the City e:HEV, which integrates a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine supported by two electric motors. This hybrid setup is capable of achieving 98 bhp and 126 Nm of torque solely through the petrol engine, while the electric motors together provide an additional 108 bhp and 253 Nm of torque. Such a configuration allows the vehicle to operate in electric-only mode for limited durations, with regenerative braking supporting battery recharging. Initially, Honda had announced that they would not pursue a strong hybrid variant of the Elevate in India, opting instead to focus on an all-electric variant projected to launch by 2026. However, given the recent development of the Elevate e:HEV and the observed global downturn in electric vehicle sales, it may be strategically advantageous for Honda to introduce a hybrid version of the Elevate to the Indian market.

The Honda Elevate was launched in a market that is highly competitive within the compact SUV segment, which has led to heightened consumer expectations for hybrid options. Honda’s decision not to initially release a hybrid variant raised questions regarding their strategic direction amid increasing global interest in hybrid and electric vehicles. The recent spy images suggest a shift in this approach, highlighting Honda’s potential flexibility in response to market demands. Understanding this context is crucial when considering Honda’s hybrid technology and its implications for the future of their models in diverse markets such as India and Brazil.

In summary, the Honda Elevate is undergoing development for a hybrid variant, utilizing the same platform as the City. Spy images from Brazil suggest the car maintains similar design characteristics to the Indian version, with advanced interior and safety features. The powertrain will likely mirror that of the City e:HEV, promising improved performance through a hybrid setup. While Honda initially ruled out a hybrid version for the Indian market, the evolving landscape of electric vehicle sales may prompt a reconsideration of such a strategy.

Original Source: www.financialexpress.com