On the again of a powerful exhibiting in a current street take a look at, Honda’s trendy Elevate returns to the CAR fold to show itself over a three-month interval writes Marius Boonzaier.
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Time spent: 1 of three months
Distance lined: 658 km
Common gasoline consumption: 8.9L/100 km
We like: Comfy seats; generously geared up.
We don’t like: Infotainment show too dim
Somewhat greater than two years after I left CAR journal, I used to be excited to rejoin the staff at South Africa’s main motoring publication. To cite Eminem, “Guess who’s again? Again once more.”
Nonetheless, I wasn’t the one one set to make a comeback to CAR. The Honda Elevate, which, following a powerful exhibiting in its April 2024 street take a look at, was geared as much as show itself as soon as once more, this time over an prolonged take a look at interval of three months.
Associated: What’s Up, Honda SA?
Our take a look at unit cuts a dashing determine, with its vibrant Phoenix Orange pearlescent paintwork, elevating (pun undoubtedly meant) the Elevate’s general look. Dressed on this burnt-orange physique hue, Honda’s newest compact crossover is particularly eye-catching. The addition of chrome finishes and a set of eye-catching 17-inch alloy wheels additionally helps lend a contact of sophistication to the outside.
Inside, the Elevate and its perceived inside construct high quality feels stable; the cabin that includes a mix of laborious, but sturdy, plastics and a few much-appreciated soft-touch supplies on vital contact factors. Though there are some silver trim bits to carry the cabin’s in any other case darkish ambiance, I can’t assist however really feel {that a} smattering of distinction accents would have been a welcome addition.
A spotlight of the cabin, the motive force’s seat is particularly comfy, providing ample bolstering throughout. This operated by hand merchandise does really feel considerably perched, even in its default place, and will do with a decrease setting for its peak adjustment. Nonetheless, it does present the motive force with a commanding view of the street forward. As well as, because of the steering wheel’s rake-and-reach adjustability, discovering a natural-feeling driving place is a breeze.
Associated: Honda CR-V Special Report – The Generation Game
The 8.0-inch infotainment system, which includes wi-fi smartphone connectivity, is nicely sited, being inside straightforward attain of the motive force and entrance passenger, however even when adjusted to its brightest setting, the show’s graphics appeared a bit of dim.
With Apple CarPlay arrange and music relaying by way of the six-speaker sound system, I set off to the hum of the Elevate’s 1.5-litre inline-four; a sufficiently vigorous little engine that’s presently returning 8.9 L/100 km; a determine that can probably enhance because the mechanical bits mattress themselves in. To this point, it’s a promising begin. Whereas my subsequent large street journey will probably be our upcoming SUV shootout within the Tankwa Karoo, the Elevate’s comfortable cabin and civilised street manners will probably see a long-distance journey headed its means in time for the following replace.
Discover the total characteristic within the June situation of CAR Journal.
