Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•1d

A dealer-fitted 360-degree camera system on the Honda Elevate is a decent solution, but it is not as seamless as a factory-fitted system. The dealer will typically disconnect the original rear camera and integrate the 360 system into the existing display, which can work well, but it is not as tightly integrated as a factory setup. You may lose some of the original camera’s functionality, such as dynamic guidelines or the exact calibration that Honda intended.Aftermarket 360-degree camera systems can be just as good, if not better, depending on the brand and installation quality. The key is to choose a reputable installer who can properly calibrate the system and integrate it cleanly with the car’s display. A well-installed aftermarket system can offer similar functionality to the dealer-fitted option, and you may have more choice in terms of camera quality and features.However, both dealer and aftermarket systems can void a warranty; in the former case, since it's the dealer itself, this is unlikely, but make sure you get this in writing from the dealer.

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•2d

It is difficult to give a meaningful opinion on the Bayon against the Elevate without actually seeing and driving the India-spec Bayon. The India model is quite different from the European Bayon, and while we now know it will sit between the Venue and Creta, its exact positioning, ride quality, performance and real-world usability can only really be judged once the production car is driven. It is expected to use Hyundai's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, with CNG also likely to be offered.There is another reason not to rush into the Elevate right now. The Elevate facelift is just around the corner, with the India debut expected in early October. It is expected to get styling and equipment updates, while retaining the existing 1.5-litre petrol engine and CVT. Potential additions include ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and an updated touchscreen.So this is one of those situations where waiting a little gives you a much clearer picture.

Hyundai Bayon

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Creta

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•2d

For your usage, the Seltos HTK(O) Turbo DCT is the strongest fit if the additional stretch is comfortable. It gives you the performance you will appreciate on hill trips, particularly with passengers and luggage, while offering a spacious, well-equipped cabin and an enjoyable driving experience.The Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI AT is also worth adding to the shortlist. It stays comfortably within your budget and is arguably the most natural alternative if you want something compact, fun to drive and easier to own within the original budget. Its turbo petrol and torque converter automatic are well suited to both city driving and occasional hill trips. It has a big enough boot too for your weekend trips.The XUV 3XO RevX-A AT remains a strong option, particularly for performance and rear seat space, but the limited boot is a genuine compromise for family trips. The Elevate V CVT is the simpler long-term choice, with a smooth naturally aspirated engine and good boot space, but it does not have the same punch as the turbocharged options, and the V variant misses some desirable features.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•2d

Honda itself currently lists a government-approved CNG retrofit facility for the Elevate through its dealers, although it is offered only on selected variants.The CNG system should not interfere with the Elevate's Honda Sensing ADAS because the ADAS functions are camera-based and the CNG installation does not alter the camera or its calibration. However, the important distinction is that this applies to a Honda-approved dealer-fitted kit, not an independently installed aftermarket kit. Autocar's advice on dealer-fitted CNG conversions also notes that the Elevate is offered with an approved Lovato kit.There is one bigger issue in your case: the ZX is not among the variants Honda currently lists for its CNG retrofit programme. Honda's current information says the retrofit is available with V and VX trims. So before proceeding, check with your Honda dealer whether your particular ZX MT is officially eligible.If Honda approves the installation for your car, there should be no specific reason to worry about ADAS. Avoid a third-party kit simply to get around variant restrictions, particularly on a ZX equipped with Honda Sensing.

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•4d

Given your 12 years of trouble free City ownership, the Elevate is the most natural replacement. It retains Honda’s simple 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, adds substantially better ground clearance and gives you the easier ingress and SUV driving position you liked. The CVT is also very well suited to your low speed, low running usage and should make the transition to an automatic easy.On your E20 concern, we would not treat it as a reason to avoid the Elevate. Honda says all its cars manufactured in India since January 2009 are E20 material compatible, and the current Elevate is officially certified for E20. Honda also says E20 should not cause durability concerns or require any component changes. There can be a marginal reduction in fuel economy because ethanol contains less energy than petrol, but with your 500km monthly running, that is unlikely to be significant.The Seltos is worth a look, particularly if you want a more feature rich and premium cabin, but given your priorities of reliability, easy driving, low maintenance and long term ownership, the Elevate fits your requirements more naturally. The Windsor EV is also an interesting option, but at just 500km a month, there is little financial reason to move to an EV, especially when you have concerns about its touchscreen heavy interface.

Honda Elevate

Honda City

MG Windsor

Kia Seltos