2017 Honda WR-V gears up for India launch

At the 2016 Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil last year, the new Honda WR-V (Winsome Runabout Vehicle) had made its global debut. New Honda WR-V is a Jazz based crossver, which was earlier expected to be called Jazz Twist. This car is now reportedly going be launched in India on 16th March 2017.

New Honda WR-V is essentially a hatchback with rough road ensembles. New Honda WR-V variant of the previous gen hatchback was exclusive to the Brazilian market but given that the word crossover has gained traction throughout the world now, Honda is considering to introduce the latest Honda WR-V in more international markets. India is one of the first markets after Brazil, to receive the WR-V.

Honda WR-V Exteriors
The smallest crossover from the Japanese automakers, the Honda WR-V is being produced at the company plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan. This sub four meter crossover gets high ground clearance as compared to the Jazz on which it is based, while new body cladding, sunroof, rugged over all stance and the presence of roof rails are also form a part of its exterior design.

Larger alloy wheels, wrap around headlamps, and a more prominent honeycomb mesh front grille give the new Honda WR-V some added aggression. On its sides, the WR-V will receive prominent character line and new turn indicators with integrated ORVMs while at the rear, sleek tail lamps are evident.

The soft crossover based on the new gen Jazz hatchback features a rugged looking bumper, black underbody cladding, larger alloy wheels, roof rails, skid plates at both ends and so on. It gets a slightly raised ride height to justify the crossover tag.

Honda WR-V Interiors

Interiors of the new Honda WR-V Crossover are spacious and comfortable. It gets a dashboard design that is strikingly similar to that seen on the Jazz while to add to its sporty appeal, in addition to that, interiors are done up in all black along with some sporty accents matching the car’s exteriors. It also gets a 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system which is powered by Digipad. This is the same system which is seen on the facelifted City.

An instrument cluster with three dials for speedometer, tachometer and driver information system will be evident along with touch screen infotainment. In terms of safety, the new Honda WR-V Crossover could get push start/stop feature, keyless entry and cruise control along with dual airbags and ABS. Seating will be comfortable and reclined as seen on the Jazz while head and leg space at the rear will be at a premium.

Honda WR-V Dimensions

The India-spec Honda WR-V Crossover stands 4,300 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width and 1,595 mm in height. It sits on a wheelbase measuring 2,590mm while ground clearance is at 170mm. In comparison, the WR-V is 44 mm longer than the Jazz, 40 mm wider and 57 mm taller. Even the wheelbase has been increased by 25 mm. It gets new 16 inch alloys with 195 section rubber. The test drive cars here have some cars with Michelin rubber while some have Bridgestone rubber.

Honda WR-V Variants & Colours
Honda is slated to launch the new Honda WR-V Crossover in the same four trim levels as seen on the Jazz to include the E, S, V and VX trims. Pricing for the base E trim could start at INR 6.5 lakhs going up to the high end VX trim which could sport a price tag of around INR 10 lakhs.

Honda is set to introduce the Honda WR-V in attractive color options of Pearl White, Orange, Red, Ocean Blue and Black as the upcoming Crossover is set to attract a young set of buyers in the country.

Honda WR-V Engines
Powering the new Honda WR-V is a 1.5 liter flex-fuel engine which delivers 118 PS power via a CVT or a 5 MT. In India, Honda WR-V Crossover is set to be launched with both petrol and diesel engine options. It will get a 1.5 liter diesel engine offering 100 bhp power and 200 Nm torque mated to a six speed manual transmission. The 1.2 liter petrol engine will be capable of 88 PS power and 110 Nm torque and come in mated to a with five speed manual and CVT. Mileage offered by the diesel engine could be around 26 kmpl while the petrol engine could offer 17 kmpl. Drive system will be a FWD.

Honda WR-V Rivals
In Brazil, the Honda WR-V will pickup a fight against the likes of Hyundai HB20X. In India, the car take on the likes of VW Cross Polo, Fiat Avventura, Hyundai i20 Active and Toyota Etios Cross.

This article has first appeared in Rushlane.com