Honda Elevate: WR-V Successor Debuts in SA
Honda's latest offering, the Elevate, has officially debuted in South Africa, positioning itself as the successor to the WR-V in the brand's local lineup. The introduction of the Elevate comes after only one unit of the WR-V was recorded as registered in South Africa in January 2024, hinting at the depletion of its stock.
The Elevate is launched with two versions available for purchase. The entry-level Elevate 1.5 Comfort is priced at R369,900, notably higher than its competitor, the Toyota Urban Cruiser, at R342,500. This model comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. For those preferring an automatic option, Honda offers the Elevate 1.5 Elegance CVT at R429,900, featuring a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Comparatively, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, similar in size to the Elevate, are priced from R469,500 to R522,500 and R465,995 to R561,995, respectively. These models include options for turbodiesel and turbo-petrol engines.
The Elevate supersedes the WR-V not only in terms of size but also in price. It measures 4,312 mm long, significantly longer than the WR-V, and boasts a larger engine. The Elevate's 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine produces 89 kW and 145 Nm, outperforming the WR-V's engine.
Developed on the Ballade platform, the Elevate is manufactured in India. It marks the first Honda product from India to be exported to Japan, where it confusingly retains the WR-V badge.
Inside, the Elevate features an 8-inch infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Elegance model adds luxury with a wireless charging pad, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a sunroof, among other features. With a spacious 458-litre cargo area and a ground clearance of 220 mm, the Elevate is practical for various needs. Safety is also a priority, with six airbags standard across the range.
The Elevate arrives at a crucial time for Honda Southern Africa, as sales figures reveal the brand's struggle in the passenger vehicle market in 2023. The Elevate is available at the following prices:
- Honda Elevate 1.5 Comfort: R369,900
- Honda Elevate 1.5 Elegance CVT: R429,900
Included with the purchase of the new Elevate are a 5-year/200,000 km warranty and a 4-year/60,000 km service plan, promising peace of mind for new owners.
Also worth a look: the Honda Amaze and the Honda's 6th gen CR-V, a promising new chapter unveiled.
FAQ
Q: What does the Honda Elevate cost in South Africa?
The Honda Elevate starts at R369,900 for the 1.5 Comfort manual, while the CVT automatic Elegance model will set you back R429,900.
Q: Is the Honda Elevate better than the WR-V it replaces?
Absolutely, the Elevate is larger at 4,312mm long, packs more power with 89kW from its 1.5-litre engine, and comes loaded with modern tech like an 8-inch infotainment system and six airbags as standard.
Q: How does the Honda Elevate compare to the Toyota Urban Cruiser?
The Elevate costs R27,400 more than the Urban Cruiser's R342,500 starting price, but you get a bigger engine, more space with 458 litres of boot capacity, and higher ground clearance at 220mm.
Q: What features does the Honda Elevate Elegance have over the Comfort?
The R60,000 premium gets you a CVT gearbox, wireless charging pad, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, sunroof, and various luxury touches that make the daily drive more pleasant.
Q: Is the Honda Elevate worth buying in 2024?
The Elevate offers solid value at R369,900 if you want reliable Honda engineering and don't mind paying slightly more than the Toyota Urban Cruiser for better space and features.
Should You Buy It?
The Honda Elevate is a solid choice if you're shopping for a compact SUV under R450,000 in South Africa. At R369,900 for the manual and R429,900 for the CVT, it sits in a sweet spot between the cheaper Toyota Urban Cruiser and pricier alternatives like the Hyundai Creta. You get Honda's legendary reliability, decent space with 458 litres of boot capacity, and enough ground clearance at 220mm for weekend adventures. The Elegance CVT model is worth the extra R60,000 if you want modern conveniences like wireless charging and a sunroof. Buy the Elevate if you prioritise reliability and space over flashy performance, but consider the Urban Cruiser if budget is your main concern.
