The Honda Elevate, built in India and rebranded as the WR-V for the Japanese market, has aced the Japan New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP), earning an impressive 5-star safety rating. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Honda, as it’s the first time a Japanese-market model has been exported from India and emerged victorious in its home country’s crash safety evaluation.
Scoring Big on Safety
The Honda Elevate (outside called as WRV) overall safety performance clocked in at 90%, scoring 176.23 out of 193.8 points. It excelled particularly in preventive safety, with a whopping 95% score (82.22/85.8), and delivered strong numbers in collision safety, notching 86.01/100. The model also hit a perfect score in the Automatic Emergency Call System section (8/8).
Crash Test Breakdown
- Frontal Impact: Simulated at 50 kmph, the Elevate earned top marks in the full frontal collision test with a Level 5 safety rating.
- Offset Collision: This test, which mimics a partial front-end crash, awarded the SUV 22.42/24 points for protecting its own passengers. However, it scored slightly lower on protecting the other vehicle involved (-1.23/5).
- Side Impact: The side airbags performed effectively under impact from a mobile barrier, securing another Level 5 rating.
- Rear-End Collision: Both front and rear seats were rated at Level 4 for whiplash protection.
- Pedestrian Safety: The SUV scored a Level 4 for head protection and a full Level 5 for leg protection—an exceptional showing in this category.
Advanced Driver Assistance Proves Its Mettle
Equipped with Honda’s Sensing ADAS suite, the WR-V impressed in the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) tests. It successfully detected and prevented collisions with dummies representing pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles across speeds ranging from 20 kmph to 60 kmph. The SUV also scored top marks in lane departure prevention and performed strongly in tests for headlight performance and unintended pedal acceleration.
Safety Feature Highlights (Japan-Spec)
- Six airbags (standard)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist
- ISOFIX mounts
- Rear parking camera with sensors
- LaneWatch side camera
- ADAS features: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking
Under the Hood
The Japan-spec WR-V is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 119 bhp and 145 Nm of torque, mated to a CVT gearbox. It comes with a larger touchscreen than the Indian version, an all-black cabin, and five monotone exterior shades.
While the Elevate in India offers additional features like wireless charging and a sunroof, the WR-V in Japan leans into a more minimalistic design. In India, the Elevate is priced between Rs 11.91 lakh and Rs 16.73 lakh (ex-showroom) and competes with segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder, and Volkswagen Taigun.
Though the Honda Elevate has yet to undergo crash tests under Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP, its performance in Japan’s stringent safety protocols positions it as one of the most safety-conscious offerings in the compact SUV segment.
Automotive Enthusiast. A Long Roadtrip is All You Need!