By the time I finish writing this road test another two or three compact crossovers will probably have been added to the new-car price list.
I joke, but it’s not too far from the truth. The junior SUV segment is one of the most cut-throat in the car market with new models being launched at a rate that is sometimes hard to keep up with.
One of the latest to enter the busy playpen is the Honda Elevate. It replaces the WR-V, which sold here from 2020-23 and didn’t set the market alight. The WR-V sold 670 units in SA last year, a trickle compared with rivals such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (9,916), Haval Jolion (8,589), Nissan Magnite (8,581), VW T-Cross (7,152) and Kia Sonet (6,511).
Honda will be hoping for a bigger slice of the pie with the new Elevate, which at 4,312mm in length is a larger, more practical car than the 3,999mm WR-V and offers more power.
The WR-V had a placid 1.2l petrol engine with outputs of 66kW and 110Nm while the new car gets a peppier 1.5l unit with 89kW and 145Nm. It also has a higher, 199mm ground clearance than the WR-V’s 173mm, perhaps an important consideration for those who like to gaze over the rooftops of other cars while driving.
Numbers-wise the Elevate is a more enticing prospect than its predecessor, and in terms of family practicality and driving prowess it doesn’t do much wrong either, though it isn’t perfect.
It is a roomy car with unusually generous space for a compact crossover. The adult-sized cabin is complemented by a spacious 458l boot that swallows more shopping bags than its predecessor and contains a full-sized spare tyre, while the rear seats flip down to accommodate bulky items.
The Elevate has a modern design with typical SUV tropes such as a faux bash plate under the front bumper and black plastic mouldings on the door sills and over the wheel arches. The blunt front end gives it a chunkier, arguably more butch appearance than the average compact crossover.
Imported from India, the Elevate is available in two 1.5l petrol guises: the entry-level Comfort manual (R371,000) and higher-specced Elegance CVT auto (R430,800).
Extra features in the Elegance include four additional airbags (bringing the total to six), artificial leather seats and steering wheel, a digital instrument panel, two additional speakers (six in total), retractable side mirrors, sunroof, auto on/off lights, front fog lamps and silver roof rails.
The cheaper Elevate Comfort doesn’t skimp on safety and conveniences, and comes with stability control, ABS brakes, electric windows, climate control, keyless entry and a high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The tablet-like infotainment screen perching atop the dash has large icons and is generally easy to use, and there are USB charging ports for devices.
It’s neat and uncluttered but the monochromatic grey cabin looks dour and could do with a splash of colour here and there.
The front-wheel drive car has no off-road ability to go with its weekend-warrior looks but the elevated ground clearance and high-profile tyres ensure it doesn’t shy away from small potholes or gravel. The ride quality is good and the car feels solid, with no rattles when traversing scarred surfaces.
It handles neatly and is an easy steer through busy streets with light controls and good visibility.
The 1.5 i-VTEC petrol engine delivers reasonably peppy commuting pace and has enough power to tackle the open road without strain. The engine becomes vocal when pressed harder but the six-speed transmission keeps the revs lowered when cruising to reduce noise, and also keeps fuel consumption at reasonable levels. The test vehicle averaged a fairly economical 7.3l / 100km, not far off the factory-claimed 6.7.
Honda claims a more frugal 6.1l for the auto model, which I haven’t driven and can’t comment to what extent it has the elastic effect that often characterises continuously variable transmissions. CVTs generally feel fine around town but can be annoyingly drony on the open road.
The Elevate is a significant improvement over the slow-selling WR-V, with superior space and power. It is roomy, practical and not unpleasant to drive but this applies to most of its rivals, and the Honda Elevate is on the higher end of the spectrum in a very price-sensitive segment.
Tech specs
ENGINE
Type: Four-cylinder petrol engine
Capacity: 1.5l
Power: 89kW
Torque: 145Nm
TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed manual
DRIVETRAIN
Type: Front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: n/a
0-100km/h: n/a
Fuel consumption: 6.7l/100km (claimed); 7.3l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 159g/km
STANDARD FEATURES
Electronic stability control, ABS brakes, stability control, dual front airbags, keyless access with start/stop button, cloth seats, trip computer, climate control, LED daytime running lights, electric windows, rear park distance control, infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB charging ports
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Warranty: Five years/200,000km
Service plan: Four years/60,000km
Price: R371,000
Lease: R8,439 a month
*at 11.75% interest over 60 months no deposit
Honda Elevate 1.5 Comfort
WE LIKE: Styling, space, practicality
WE DISLIKE: A little pricey
VERDICT: An improvement over its predecessor
Motor News star rating
Design *****
Performance ***
Economy ****
Ride ****
Handling ****
Safety ***
Value For Money ****
Overall ****
COMPETITION
* Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT, 83kW/138Nm — R279,900
* Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS, 77kW/138Nm — R342,500
* Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GL, 77kW/138Nm — R347,900
* Haval Jolion 1.5T City, 105kW/210Nm — R348,350
* Opel Crossland 1.2, 60kW/118Nm — R349,900
* Kia Sonet 1.5 LX, 85kW/144Nm — R366,995
* VW T-Cross 1.0 TSi Comfortline, 70kW/175Nm — R401,600
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