India-bound Honda WR-V crossover unveiled at 2016 Sao Paulo Motor Show
Honda recently unveiled the production-ready version of the WR-V crossover at the 2016 Sao Paulo International Motor Show in Brazil. WR-V, according to Honda, stands for Winsome Runabout Vehicle (we're not kidding). It's a crossover based on the Honda Jazz, but unlike other crossovers such as the Hyundai i20 Active and the Volkswagen Cross Polo, this one has considerable design changes over the Jazz.
The frontend, which features the most change, borrows subtle designs cues from the Honda BR-V, like the large chrome insert on the grille flowing into the headlights, the bracket shape on the bumper around the fog lamps and the plastic cladding bordering the car. Apart from the new wheels, the side-profile of the Honda WR-V is unmistakeably similar to the Jazz with the same doors, window line and creases. But it looks like there's a significant increase in ride height. The rear has been smartly redesigned to help differentiate it from the Jazz. The Honda WR-V's bumper and taillight extensions are new, while the bootlid, although the same size, has been redesigned with the number plate holder being moved further down.
While Honda hasn't revealed which engines the WR-V will run, the most logical option for the brand in India would be to offer the Honda Jazz's engines in this car. That means a 90PS/110Nm 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol with a five-speed manual and a CVT as well as a 100PS/200Nm i-DTEC diesel with a six-speed manual. We expect the car to be on sale in India by the first half of 2017. Apart from taking on crossovers like the Hyundai i20 Active, the Fiat Avventura Urban Cross and the Volkswagen Cross Polo, the Honda WR-V could also take on sub-four metre SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Ford EcoSport.