South Africa’s Honda lineup really needed a budget-beater to make the Japanese brand hit their sales numbers. Let’s face it, however cute it is, the WR-V was just not selling, even though I thought it would (read our 2021 launch report of the WR-V here). We’re not sure why, but I can think of a reason or two. The 1.2-litre engine was perhaps just a little too small and the WR-V wasn’t cheap either.
Enter the new Elevate, which is more or less the size and shape of the now-discontinued Suzuki Vitara Brezza and previous-generation Toyota Urban Cruiser. We attended the launch of the Elevate, click below if you’d like to read our launch report:
Related: Honda Elevate (2024) First Drive Review
What makes a car good for families?
Moms and dads have a different way of looking at cars. As a mom, safety features are at the top of my list. I also need a big boot for the kids’ school suitcases, and a hard-wearing interior that can withstand the challenges of everyday life.
Younger families may also want a boot that’s big enough to fit a pram alongside some groceries or even the family dog.
Furthermore, everyone wants a car that’s easy and pleasant to drive and park, with sufficient on-board tech like a rear-view camera, USB ports and a user-friendly infotainment system, with added features such as smartphone mirroring.
Performance-wise, nobody wants a gas-guzzler but nobody wants a car that struggles too much to overtake slower vehicles either.
Related: Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Kia Sonet: Here's our winner
How does the Honda Elevate fare considering the above-mentioned criteria?
The Elevate is reasonably light on fuel but it’s no slow-coach, thanks to a relatively punchy 1.5-litre engine with 89 kW and 145 Nm. Its cabin is spacious, built to last, and the boot is a great size to fit in everything we mentioned above.
The layout is plain and simple and the infotainment system is easy to use, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for hands-free driving, which is actually also a safety feature.
Grade walk: which model gets what?
Both the Comfort (R369 900) and Elegance models have ABS, EBD, hill-start assist, traction and stability control, climate control, a multi-function steering wheel with voice-activation, a start/stop button, a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, 2 USB ports up front, keyless entry, child locks, a heated rear screen, a front armrest, split and folding rear seats, ISOFIX on the outer rear seats, headlight levelling, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Both models have LED daytime driving lights, LED headlights and indicators in the side mirrors.
Honda Elevate colours and price guide
The top-spec Honda Elevate 1.5 Elegance (R429 900) offers 4 more airbags than the Comfort model's 2 airbags, bringing the total to 6. The Elegance also gets faux leather seats (the Comfort model has cloth seats), a digital instrument cluster, electric foldable side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a rear armrest, front LED fog lamps, silver roof rails, and 17-inch alloys (the Comfort model rides on 16-inch alloy wheels).
How much are car repayments on a new Honda Elevate?
Verdict: Does the Honda Elevate fit the bill?
Yes, whether you buy the entry-level Comfort model or the top-spec Elegance model, the Elevate has everything the modern family needs in 2024 and beyond. I would have liked two more USB ports for my rear passengers but you can’t have it all.
Pricing and lineup
Honda Elevate 1.5 Comfort (R369 900)
Honda Elevate 1.5 Elegance (R429 900)
ENDS
