Honda's Bringing Back the Element – And It Could Be the Befok SUV We've Been Waiting For

Remember the Honda Element? The boxy, cult-favourite SUV that disappeared in 2011? Well, bru, it's making a comeback, and it's aiming straight for your wallet in 2029. Honda’s apparently sniffing a gap in the market – a lekker space between the sensible HR-V and the more established CR-V – and they reckon the Element is the answer. This isn't just nostalgia; it’s a potential game-changer. ## What Even *Was* the Honda Element, Anyway? For the younger boets who weren't around, the original Element was…different. It wasn’t trying to be a Sandton status symbol. It was all about practicality. Think waterproof everything, rear-hinged doors (kak convenient for loading surfboards, I tell you), and a minimalist interior that practically begged you to throw your muddy hiking boots in the back. It was a vehicle for *doing* things, not just *looking* like you do things. It gained a seriously dedicated following, the kind that still reminisces about it online. Which is why killing it off in 2011 felt like a proper befok decision. Sales had been sliding, apparently, but honestly, sometimes the suits just don’t get it. The Element wasn't about chasing volume; it was about owning something a little bit weird, a little bit special. ## So, What's Different This Time Around? Okay, so Honda isn't completely oblivious. They’ve seen the resurgence of the “off-road-lite” vibe. Everyone wants a vehicle that *looks* like it could handle a weekend in the Drakensberg, even if it's mostly used for the school run and a trip to Checkers. The new Element – slated for a 2029 debut – will be a hybrid compact SUV. It’ll slot neatly between the HR-V and the CR-V in Honda’s lineup. Details are still thin on the ground, and Honda’s spokesperson wasn't giving much away, stating they “appreciate the enthusiasm for the Element, but [are] not going to engage in speculation about our future product plans.” Typical. But we know this: it’s being built in an Ohio plant, and Honda is hoping to shift around 100,000 units in its first full year. They’ve also been playing with the ‘TrailSport’ trim on other models like the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot. The question is, will this Element actually be more than just a lookalike? ## The Price is Right? How Much Will This Befok Machine Cost? This is where things get interesting. The report suggests a price tag in the mid-$30,000 range. That's roughly R560,000 at today’s rates. But hold your horses. That’s the US price. Importing this to South Africa? Eish. You’re looking at a significant jump thanks to import duties, shipping costs, and the rand’s usual shenanigans. Let's look at a competitor. The Ford Bronco Sport, which offers a similar vibe and price point in the US, would likely be considerably more expensive here. You're looking at potentially pushing over R700,000, maybe even R800,000, depending on the spec and the exchange rate at the time. It's a big ask, especially when you can get a perfectly capable Fortuner for that kind of money. ## Off-Road Ready or Just Looking the Part? Honda’s TrailSport trims are a start, but they're often more about aesthetics than genuine off-road capability. Will the new Element actually be able to tackle a gravel road without scraping its undercarriage? Will it handle a proper 4x4 trail? That's the million-dollar question. The Bronco Sport sets a high bar. It’s got all-wheel drive, decent ground clearance, and a more rugged image. The Element will need to deliver on the promise of adventure, not just *look* like it can deliver. We need to see some proper specs – suspension travel, approach and departure angles, and maybe even a locking rear differential. ## 100,000 Units: Can Honda Actually Pull This Off? Honda’s ambition to sell 100,000 Elements in its first year is… optimistic. The SUV market is packed, and competition is fierce. Honda will be relying on the Element’s cult following and the growing demand for vehicles that *appear* outdoorsy. It's a gamble, bru. A calculated gamble, but a gamble nonetheless. They'll need to nail the marketing and position the Element perfectly to stand out from the crowd. Jack Fitzgerald from *Car and Driver* clearly loves cars, and this revival might just be the thing to get enthusiasts excited. ## Will We See the Element in South Africa? Don't Hold Your Breath… But… Let's be realistic. Getting the Element to South Africa isn't a given. Honda South Africa already has a solid lineup, and importing a relatively niche vehicle like this adds complexity and cost. However, there's a glimmer of hope. If the Element proves to be a massive hit in the US, and if there's enough demand from South African enthusiasts (and enough willingness to pay the premium price), Honda might just reconsider. Imagine cruising the Durban beachfront in a boxy, hybrid Element… now *that* would be a lekker sight. Ultimately, the Honda Element’s return is a fascinating development. It’s a bet on nostalgia, adventure, and the desire for something a little bit different. It's a bold move, and one that could pay off big time. But with a price point potentially north of R700,000 once it lands here, it’ll need to be seriously befok to justify the cost. So, is the new Honda Element worth the hype? It’s too early to say definitively. But if Honda can deliver on the promise of a practical, capable, and affordable hybrid SUV, it could be a game-changer. Now, the real question is: will the Boks be able to pull off another World Cup win in 2027? That’s a bet I’m willing to take.