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Honda is once again taking aim at the sub-4 metre SUV market in India. With the new Honda WR-V set to launch on March 16, the burgeoning SUV market is about to receive a new entrant. The new Honda WR-V was first unveiled at the Sao Paolo Auto Show last year. Honda has stated that the acronym WR-V stands for ‘Winsome Runabout Vehicle’ and has priced the new small SUV very competitively. The features are not spectacular but very decent. The new carr has been built on the Honda Jazz platform. We have a detailed review of the Honda WR-V especially for you so that you can take an informed decision.
Honda WR-V Specs and Features: Under The Hood
The new Honda WR-V is true to its name: it is very winsome. The engines are a testimony to that appeal. The Honda WR-V has two versions. One is the petrol version with a 1.2-litre i-VTEC Petrol engine. This engine gives out a solid 88.8bhp @ 6,000rpm with a maximum torque output of 109Nm @ 4,500rpm. The diesel engine is also very well crafted. The 1.5-litre i-DTEC Diesel engine whips up a storm with a maximum power output of 98.6bhp @ 3,600rpm while the maximum torque output is 200Nm @ 1,750rpm. The transmission options on the new WR-V are dual. Expect a 5-speed Manual transmission with an optional 6-speed Manual & CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) as well. The two engine variants are also quietly superb performers with good city and highway mileage as well. The 6-speed transmission will grace the diesel variant.
Honda WR-V Design: Exterior
The Honda WR-V has a tall and muscular design. The car possesses a masculine outlook as well. Being similar to the Honda Jazz, the new front fascia has been updated. In fact, the styling is very similar to the existing Hyundai i20, although the new Honda is slightly bigger. The bumper is more pronounced and the smoked headlamp cluster is newly designed. The front grille has dollops of chrome to add to the oomph. Very similar to the BR-V, the wheel arches are more pronounced as well. The rear of the new Honda WR-V also has seen a retreat to the Honda Jazz’s design with redesigned taillamps, a rear bumper with a metallic coating similar to aluminium and dual-tone inserts. The doors are solidly structured and add to the character of the car as well. The car is also very tall with solid ground clearing. the new WR-V will provide extra comfort with pronounced headspace and a very good leg space. The car also has a good centre of gravity which is low and adds to the stability of the car.
Honda WR-V Design: Interiors
The interiors are robust and very efficiently designed. The Honda WR-V has a distinct feel of having been built with a lot of care. The interiors have a chrome trim which is very soothing to the eyes. The leather upholstery is an added luxury to what is a very comfortable car to start with. The one major addition is the touchscreen infotainment screen which stuns with bold colours and attention to detail. With rear AC vents, the new Honda is very comfortable. The steering wheel is multi-function and has a solid grip. The 2.6-metre wheelbase will also aid in making exceptionally tall passengers and riders feel good. The high ground clearance also aids in making this car very smooth to ride in. The handbrake is positioned so that both right-handed and left-handed drivers can reach it with equal dexterity.
Honda WR-V: Safety Features
The new Honda WR-V is a very safe car. Add to that the SUV segment, which normally sees wide tires and excellent brakes, and you have a winner on your hands. Waterproof floor mats add to the anti-skid interiors. Other class-leading safety features on the new SUV include Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and a much-needed LED daytime running light system to aid on those foggy days.
Honda WR-V Price, Launch and Competition
The new Honda WR-V will be conservatively priced at Rs. 7 lakhs for the base model going up to Rs. 10 lakhs for the topmost trim. It will face competition from the likes of the Hyundai i20 Active, the Ford EcoSport, The Toyota Etios Cross and the home-grown Maruti Suzuki Vitara. Like we mentioned before, the expected launch date is 16 March. In the meantime, the production is in full swing at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. This new SUV is also a ‘Made in India ‘ success story. Bookings start early March.
