Honda Elevate Face-Off: India vs Japan - Find Out Who Wins!

With the unveiling of the Elevate SUV in the Japanese market, Honda has made a significant move. The Elevate is essentially the new WR V for the Land of the Rising Sun, a badge previously associated with the phased-out Jazz-based crossover in India. Despite its changed moniker, the Elevate’s India and Japan editions display a few disparities; these differences are worth exploring.

A Glance at the Exterior Design

The Japanese version of the Honda Elevate mirrors its Indian counterpart to a great extent in terms of exterior design. However, the colour options offered differ between the two models. In India, there's the perk of choosing the Elevate in a dual-tone colour, a choice not available to the Japanese consumer.

India spec Elevate is available in the following Colours: Lunar Silver Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Golden Brown Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Phoenix Orange Pearl with Black roof, Platinum White Pearl with Black roof, and Radiant Red Metallic with Black roof.

Japan spec Elevate can be avialed in these Colours: Phoenix Orange Pearl (Exclusive), Obsidian Blue Pearl (Exclusive), Illumina Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl (Exclusive to Japan), Gold Brown Metallic, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.

Delving into Interior Design

While the essential dashboard layout and design are consistent across both models of the car, the Japanese version flaunts an all-black hue, whereas the Indian variant features a black-tan colour scheme. Observant individuals will also note the different infotainment screens in the two vehicles. This disparity leads us to the discussion on the features list.

Comparing the Features List

The Japanese variant of the Honda Elevate foregoes two features that are available in the Indian version: a wireless phone charger and a sunroof. In contrast, the Indian model does not come with front parking sensors, a feature present in the international model.

Other than these disparities, the features offered in the two versions are pretty much on par. These include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, automatic climate control, a semi-digital instrument cluster, multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and, most significantly, ADAS.

Engine Option

There are no significant alterations in this department either. Both versions of the Elevate are equipped with the tried-and-true 121PS 1.5-litre petrol engine, which powers the front wheels. While a CVT is available on both models, the option of a 6-speed manual is exclusive to the Indian version.

Elevate Price And Rivals in India

In the Indian market, the Honda Elevate is priced between Rs 11 lakh to Rs 16.28 lakh (ex-showroom). It goes head-to-head with competitors such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Citroen C3 Aircross.

DriveSpark Thinks

In conclusion, the Honda Elevate serves as a prime example of a vehicle's localization based on the market. Though the Elevate has the same core, the variations in features, design elements, and colour options reflect the unique preferences of the respective markets.

As a result, potential buyers get a product that is better tailored to their needs and desires. Despite the differences, the Honda Elevate maintains its essential character, offering a robust and reliable SUV experience for car enthusiasts in both India and Japan.