Honda has been spotted testing the Elevate hybrid SUV in Brazil, potentially indicating its launch in India. The new model is expected to feature a powertrain similar to the City e:HEV, comprising a 1.5-liter petrol engine and electric motors. Honda may reconsider introducing a hybrid variant in India due to changes in market demand for eco-friendly vehicles.
Honda has been testing the Elevate hybrid SUV in Brazil, suggesting future availability in markets such as India. When Honda first introduced the Elevate last year, an anticipated hybrid variant was notably absent despite its shared platform with the City, which does include a hybrid option. Recent spy images have surfaced, indicating that a hybrid model equipped with a combustion engine is being developed. These images depict a heavily camouflaged prototype that appears to mirror the Indian version’s design. Internally, it is anticipated that the Elevate hybrid will retain features from the Indian model, such as a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch multimedia system, automatic climate control, and advanced safety features including Honda’s Sensing technology, which provides several driver-assist functions. The Elevate hybrid is expected to utilize the same powertrain as the City e:HEV, comprising a 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with two electric motors. The petrol engine generates 98 bhp, while the electric motors contribute a combined 108 bhp, leading to an efficient power management system utilizing regenerative braking. Although initial statements from Honda suggested a lack of interest in introducing a hybrid version of the Elevate in India, the current development of the Elevate e:HEV may lead to a reconsideration given the slowdown in electric vehicle demand.
The Honda Elevate is positioned within the competitive compact C-segment SUV market, where strong hybrids can be a significant draw for consumers looking for fuel-efficient options. Initially, Honda opted to not release a hybrid variant, which raised concerns about potential market competitiveness. With the emergence of new spy photos showing a hybrid version being tested, there is renewed interest and speculation about Honda’s future plans for hybrid models, especially in regions where such vehicles are increasingly desired. The Elevate hybrid’s design closely resembles its India-spec counterpart, indicating that Honda may aim to offer consistency in branding and features across international markets. The presence of advanced safety and technological features places the vehicle in a favorable position to attract buyers accustomed to innovative offerings. The automobile industry is witnessing shifts in consumer preferences, particularly with growing interest in environmentally friendly options. Thus, Honda’s potential pivot to hybrid offerings, particularly given the global slowdown in electric vehicle sales, could be a strategic adjustment.
In summary, the testing of the Honda Elevate hybrid in Brazil underscores Honda’s potential entry into the hybrid market, particularly for India. With a shared platform and advanced technology, the Elevate hybrid may cater to consumer demand for efficient vehicles. Despite Honda’s earlier hesitance regarding a hybrid launch, the evolving market landscape may prompt a reevaluation, possibly positioning the Elevate hybrid favorably in a competitive automotive environment.
Original Source: www.financialexpress.com
