I am considering buying the Honda Elevate CVT. I drive approx 10,000 KM a year max. Of this, 90% is in the city and the rest on highways. I understand that the Elevate is not the most popular compact SUV, but my research tells me it may be a value buy. I am not a fan of too many gadgets, as most people never end up using all that they pay for. And the attraction goes off once the car gets a bit old. Hence, I would rather save on frills and focus on reliability, mileage, and safety. What is your take on this car?

Autocar India

•16h

Since most of your driving is in the city, an automatic gearbox makes the most sense. Compared to a manual, it brings a lot more convenience and generally makes driving less stressful. ADAS is good to have, but it should be treated as an added safety net rather than something you depend on completely.Between your two choices, the Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV, and the Honda Elevate is a midsize SUV. Naturally, the Elevate is the larger of the two, but if you want ADAS, you will need to opt for the top ZX trim, which costs around Rs 19.5 lakh on-road, putting it out of your price range. The new Venue HX10 with the turbo-petrol DCT combination is a good fit for your budget and even has more ADAS features than the Elevate. However, it cannot match the larger Elevate in terms of interior space, which is why we also suggest you take a look at the Kia Syros.In the compact SUV segment, it is the most spacious vehicle. It uses the same powertrain and has most of the same ADAS features as the Venue. It is more expensive than the Venue, but it also gets features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated rear seats.

Hyundai Venue

Honda Elevate

Autocar India

•1d

Since your usage is split evenly between city and highway and you plan to sell the car in about 3–4 years, choosing the model that feels the most modern and premium today would make more sense.Among the three, we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos IVT. It is the newer car compared to the Hyundai Creta, and it is also slightly larger and more spacious, which helps it feel more premium overall. Both the Seltos and Creta share the same powertrain, so either car will offer a similar driving experience. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is one of the most refined units in this segment and the IVT/CVT transmission is silky smooth, making it well suited for both city and highway driving.Also, considering that the Creta is expected to be replaced early next year, it is unlikely to have a higher resale value compared to the Seltos in the coming years.The Honda Elevate is also a safe and reliable option. However, compared to the Creta and the Seltos, it does not feel as premium and the engine is a bit noisier than the Hyundai/Kia unit. It is also an older product compared to the Seltos.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Honda Elevate

Autocar India

•2d

Go for the Honda Elevate VX CVT. It combines a 5-star JNCAP safety rating, smooth city-friendly CVT, and a wide, flat rear bench that can seat three adults comfortably.With 90% city use, the Elevate’s CVT makes stop-and-go driving smooth and jerk-free, which reduces fatigue. Expect about 11-12 kpl in the city and 15-16 kpl on highways from the CVT, so your occasional trips won’t sting on fuel. The rear seat is broad with a near-flat floor and supportive cushioning, so three medium-built adults can sit side-by-side more comfortably than in many midsize SUVs. You can get the top variant within your budget, and there are currently good offers available on the Elevate as well.The one thing you give up is outright punch on fast highways, as overtakes have to be more planned than turbo petrol rivals.

Honda Elevate