Honda has just launched a new crossover called the Elevate

This is the first crossover by Honda that doesn’t use a combination of letters for its name. PHOTO FROM HONDA

Five-seat subcompact crossovers are becoming the popular choice for those eyeing their first-ever car purchase. Small, easy-to-drive, fuel-efficient, and sitting high off the ground, these are perfect for their needs.

After weeks of teasing, the Japanese carmaker Honda has finally taken the wraps off such a crossover: the Elevate.

The boxy crossover’s front end has a tough, imposing look. PHOTOS FROM HONDA

In the press material, Honda calls the new crossover a “midsize SUV,” which is weird given its dimensions of 4,312mm in length, 1,790mm in width, and 1,650mm in height. And though it is 10mm wider than the BR-V, this is 178mm shorter and 35mm lower—so yes, this is subcompact.

Outside, you’ll see a tough-looking, boxy vehicle. This is evident with the squarish grille flanked by slim LED headlamp clusters. Black cladding is all around, starting from the front bumper and the sides, and ending at the back.

The boxy design motif continues to the sides and the back. PHOTOS FROM HONDA

The sides feature prominent character lines and squared-off fenders. The blacked-out roof and the two-tone 17-inch alloys add more pogi points to this cute crossover. At the back, you’d see dual LED taillamp clusters that fuse perfectly with the tailgate garnish.

Inside, front and center is a wide 10.25-inch high-definition screen. This comes complete with Optical Clear Adhesive for added contrast and clarity. This makes it perfect as the display for the LaneWatch side camera and the rear-view monitor when backing up. A seven-inch display can also be found in the instrument cluster, showing various vehicle information.

Interior fit and finish should be great, as expected from Honda. PHOTOS FROM HONDA

The choice of materials and the fit-and-finish are top-notch. The brown-and-black motif makes the interior look more premium. And thanks to its 2,650mm wheelbase, headroom, knee room, and legroom are abundant. The 458L of cargo space makes it one of the most spacious subcompact crossovers available.

It also has a ton of interior amenities like huge 1L bottle holders on the door pockets, power outlets, and rear air-conditioner vents. On top of those, there are nifty features like an electric sunroof, walk-away auto-locking, and Honda Connect.

Almost all new cars are getting wireless chargers. PHOTO FROM HONDA

Doing duty under the hood is the same 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine from the City and the BR-V. This means it also makes 119hp and 145Nm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a CVT.

But what truly elevates the, um, Elevate is its standard list of safety features. Aside from the usual six airbags, antilock brakes, vehicle stability assist, and hill-start assist, it also comes with a wide range of Honda Sensing features. This includes a collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, lead-car departure notification, and auto high-beam system.

Will our market get this or the WR-V? PHOTO FROM HONDA

No pricing and availability information has been provided, but India will get the first dibs on the new crossover. Honda India claims that this will be the first of five SUVs to be launched by the carmaker by 2030. Also, a battery-electric version of the Elevate will be released within the next three years.

The big question is: What subcompact crossover would Honda Cars Philippines bring to our market? Would it be the Elevate or the recently launched WR-V?