What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the newly launched Honda Elevate, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Honda Elevate – A comprehensive analysis of their base variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
Performance enthusiasts desire fast cars that deliver exhilarating acceleration, precise handling, and powerful engines. They prioritize attributes like engine power and torque, quick acceleration, high top speeds, and superior handling characteristics such as agility and stability.
Advanced features and gadgets that enhance the driving experience in quick cars are also crucial, while aesthetics and design that align with the car’s performance capabilities become the cherry on top.
Why Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate are Popular
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, with its legacy, offers a balance of performance and reliability that many enthusiasts appreciate. Its engine specifications, paired with a stable drive and moderate acceleration, provide a balanced drive.
On the other hand, Honda Elevate, known for Honda’s engineering prowess, offers a seamless fusion of comfort and performance. The engine responsiveness, combined with advanced features and an excellent ride quality, makes it a top contender.
Both vehicles have been praised for their performance attributes, making them popular among the enthusiast community.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate Base Variants in Rs 10-12 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 September 2023 |
| Sigma | ₹1,070,000 |
For Honda Elevate, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 September 2023 |
| SV | ₹1,100,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma
At INR 1,070,000, the Grand Vitara Sigma offers a petrol engine with 101.64 BHP and a torque of 136.8 Nm. The engine’s responsiveness is moderate, ensuring a smooth power delivery. With a top speed of 180 km/h and FWD, it provides stable high-speed stability, making it a competent choice for performance enthusiasts. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta.
Honda Elevate SV
Priced slightly higher at INR 1,100,000, the Honda Elevate SV shines with a powerful 119.35 BHP petrol engine and a substantial torque of 145 Nm. The inclusion of advanced features like an LCD touchscreen, wireless charging, and internet connectivity, combined with the car’s impressive performance metrics, makes it an enticing pick for those prioritizing performance.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate for Performance Enthusiasts
The Honda Elevate SV edges ahead. With a more powerful engine, greater torque, and enhanced features like wireless charging and an LCD touchscreen, it provides a holistic driving experience. Its agile handling combined with a range of attributes designed for enthusiasts makes it our top recommendation for performance aficionados.
The 2 Base Variants Ranked
- Honda Elevate SV
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma
| Attributes | Honda Elevate SV | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma |
| # of cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Agility | Agile | Moderate |
| Audio System (Brand) | LCD | None |
| Body Roll | Minimal | Moderate |
| Clutch [Manual] | Light | Light |
| Drive Type (AWD/RWD/FWD/4WD) | FWD | FWD |
| Engine – displacement (cc) | 1498 | 1462 |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine – power (BHP) | 119.35 | 101.64 |
| Engine – Torque (Nm) | 145 | 136.8 |
| Engine responsiveness | Yes | Moderate |
| Ground clearance (mm) | – | 208 |
| High-Speed Stability | Yes | Stable |
| Power delivery | Yes | Linear |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Rain sensing wiper | Yes | No |
| Transmission – # of gears | 6 | 5 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Honda Elevate SV: As mentioned, the Elevate SV stands out with its powerful engine, handling, and added features.
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma: A close second, it offers reliable performance, stable handling, and the trust of Maruti Suzuki’s legacy. You can also check out our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Hyundai Creta for long-distance road trip lovers.
Both the Honda Elevate SV and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma cater to performance enthusiasts with their unique offerings. While the Elevate SV promises a blend of performance with modern amenities, the Grand Vitara Sigma ensures a robust and reliable drive experience. Both these vehicles have their distinct advantages, making them worthy contenders in the performance segment.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
