loving Up?

The mid-size SUV arena is hot property and Honda have just thrown their hat into what seems like a royal rumble ring full of 4.3-metre-long contenders. We were in Udaipur in Rajasthan to drive it

- Jim Gorde

THE WORLD WAS ABUZZ with Honda news with the HR-V on one side and the ZR-V on the other, both of which crossed my mind-more the former than the latter-as the next entrant Honda had lined up for India. However, the anticipation was further elevated when it was revealed that it was going to be an India-first model that was also going to be made here and exported later. It shares its underpinnings (and more) with the City, also being based on Honda's global lightweight platform. That seems ironic, considering it is set to go up against some heavyweight names. The segment consists of, take a deep breath, the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Škoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, MG Astor, and the upcoming Citroën C3 Aircross, all of which follow in the footsteps of the Renault Duster; the car I hold responsible for this mushrooming segment.

Right, then. The Honda Elevate has a reasonably imposing form with a large vertical grille and chunky lines and elements-notably the reinforced C- and D-pillar area which is one spread of metal outside and in. The LED headlamps look sharp, with daytime running light (DRL) strips nestled above them, connected by a chrome strip running across the edge of the bonnet. The tail-lamp cluster is reminiscent of some of its existing competitors, let alone other European models, this time round. It measures 4,312 millimetres long, 1,790 mm wide, and 1,650 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm; shorter in length compared to the City but more everywhere else. Overall, the proportions are boxy and very big-SUV like, with the contrasting upper section adorned with roof-rails. It does look purposeful and rather smart.