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How I ended up buying Honda Elevate: Worthy successor to my old Jazz

20th March 2024, 10:02 by Utkarsh Chaudhary

Hyundai Creta and Seltos failed to impress me. Even Mahindra XUV700's advanced electronics and Scorpio N's ruggedness couldn't sway me. But the Elevate…

BHPian sibaprasadbeher recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

How I Ended Up Buying the Honda Elevate Pearl White

In the vast landscape of car choices, finding the perfect match can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You weigh features, performance, comfort, and reliability, hoping to strike that elusive balance that fits your lifestyle. My journey to purchasing the Honda Elevate Pearl White was a meticulous process, driven by specific needs and preferences that evolved over time.

To give you some context, I was already a proud owner of a 2013 Hyundai i20 and a 2017 Honda Jazz (V) MT, which had served me well. However, as time passed, my requirements evolved. I craved a car with more power, ok space for my family (4 of us with a 4-year-old), and above all, unwavering reliability akin to my beloved Jazz. Living in Bangalore, where road conditions can mimic the terrains of Ladakh at times, sturdy ground clearance was also a priority.

With a clear vision in mind, my quest began. The criteria were set: a dependable engine, good handling, safety features like six airbags and ESC, automatic transmission, sturdy build quality, attractive interior and exterior design, along with PRACTICAL features like tilt and telescopic steering. However, I was uninterested in extravagant features like, sunroof, electrical adjustable seats, automatic wipers, auto this auto that perforated seats. I feel these features increase the cost of ownership when they go bad.

My exploration commenced with European options, such as the Taigun and Kushaq, but their narrow build and steep prices, coupled with concerns about DSG gearboxes, quickly eliminated them from contention. I somehow felt that they were overpriced, maybe I am wrong but that was my feeling. 1.0L felt underpowered and the 1.5L TSI felt overpriced and risky for the long term.

The Korean contenders, including the Creta and Seltos, failed to impress with their interior designs and ride quality. Even the allure of the XUV 700's advanced electronics and the Scorpio N's ruggedness couldn't sway me. Somehow the XUV700 design was not to my taste and Scorpio N's riding dynamics was not to my family's liking.

Then came the Tiguan, a marvel in its own right, but its price tag exceeded my budget. The car was "spot on" but somehow I didn't have that much budget "Spot on".

It wasn't until I laid eyes on the Honda Elevate that things started to fall into place. Stepping inside, my wife and I shared a silent acknowledgement: "It feels like the Jazz." This familiarity sparked a debate: if it embodied the reliability and comfort of the Jazz, why not opt for it? We had the same feeling of Taigun and Kushaq being narrower than the Jazz and Koreans were out of contention either way.

A test drive sealed the deal, highlighting its appealing aesthetics, refined interior, commendable ride quality, and driver-friendly ergonomics. Sure, there were minor gripes, like the rear seat size and the absence of roof rails, but they were outweighed by its overall package.

Booking the Elevate Pearl White ZX CVT was a bittersweet moment, as it meant bidding farewell to my faithful Jazz, which had accompanied me on countless journeys with minimal hiccups. However, the excitement of a new adventure outweighed the nostalgia.

Taking delivery of my new car was just the beginning. Embarking on a road trip from Bhubaneswar to Bangalore, I discovered its exceptional comfort and ease of handling, even at moderate speeds. The Adaptive Cruise Control added a layer of convenience, although it required some adjustment.

As I settled into life with the Elevate, I came to realize its subtle nuances and enhanced comfort compared to the Jazz. Despite initial skepticism, it proved to be a worthy successor, offering reliability, smoothness, and ease of ownership—all within my budget.

To fellow Jazz owners considering the transition, I offer this advice: give it time. The Elevate may seem familiar at first glance, but its nuances reveal themselves over time, offering a driving experience that surpasses expectations.

In conclusion, my purchase of the Honda Elevate Pearl White was not just a transaction; it was a culmination of thoughtful consideration and a desire for a vehicle that seamlessly integrates into my life.

Some stills from the 1450kms ride