Honda is reportedly testing a hybrid version of the Elevate SUV in Brazil, raising speculation about its potential launch in India. The hybrid model is expected to feature similar amenities and powertrain specifications as the City e:HEV, despite Honda’s previous intentions of not introducing a hybrid variant in the Indian market. As global demand for hybrid vehicles increases, this development may indicate a strategic pivot for Honda amidst changing automotive trends.
Honda has recently been caught testing a hybrid variant of its Elevate SUV in Brazil, a model that was originally launched in India last year without a hybrid option, despite the platform sharing with the City which offers a strong hybrid powertrain. This apparent oversight prompted speculation among automotive enthusiasts, but new spy images suggest that Honda is now advancing toward developing a greener variant of the Elevate with a combustion powertrain. The latest spy photographs depict a fully camouflaged test unit of the Elevate that appears to mirror the specifications of the Indian version. Although the heavy camouflage obscures minor design details, the vehicle’s characteristics, including the flat front fascia with an all-black grille and stylish LED headlights, clearly identify it as an Elevate model. Expected features within the Elevate hybrid are anticipated to largely align with its India variant, including a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch multimedia display, automatic climate control, and amenities such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging. Safety will be prioritized with the inclusion of six airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), all part of the Honda Sensing suite, encompassing features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. In terms of powertrain, the Elevate hybrid is expected to utilize the same system as the City e:HEV, combining a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with electric motors. The petrol unit generates 98 bhp and 126 Nm of torque, while the electric motors provide an additional 108 bhp and 253 Nm of torque collaboratively, ensuring robust performance and efficiency with regenerative braking capabilities. Honda had previously stated that it was not pursuing a strong hybrid variant for the Elevate in India, opting to instead focus on developing an all-electric version expected by 2026. However, given Honda’s current endeavors in hybrid development, capitalizing on the global trend towards hybrid vehicles amidst declining electric vehicle sales could lead to the Elevate hybrid’s release in the Indian market.
The Honda Elevate, a compact SUV in the increasingly competitive C-segment, was launched in India without a hybrid variant despite the platform’s capability to include one, as evidenced by the City offering a strong hybrid option. This decision raised eyebrows among industry observers who viewed it as a missed opportunity in an era where hybrid vehicles are gaining traction. Recent developments indicate that Honda is now reassessing its strategy, particularly with current industry trends shifting towards hybrid models due to fluctuating electric vehicle market dynamics. The emergence of spy images from Brazil showing a hybrid variant suggests Honda’s commitment to diversifying its offerings in this arena and possibly responding to growing consumer demand in the Indian market for hybrid options.
In summary, the testing of the Honda Elevate hybrid in Brazil signals a pivotal development in Honda’s SUV strategy, particularly as the company previously expressed no immediate plans for a hybrid variant in India. Moreover, with specific features expected to align with the current Elevate model and an advanced powertrain mirroring that of the City e:HEV, the hybrid Elevate could represent an essential addition to Honda’s lineup, especially amidst changing market trends. While official confirmation of an Indian launch remains pending, the prospect of introducing a hybrid variant alongside the fully electric model enhances Honda’s competitive footing in the evolving automotive landscape.
Original Source: www.financialexpress.com
