Honda India has launched the new WR-V (Winsome Runabout Vehicle. No, really…) into their local market, based on the company’s globally successful Jazz platform.
Honda WR-V is the first model developed by Honda R&D India along with Honda R&D in Japan, to match the needs of young Indian customers who are looking for status, comfort and an active lifestyle. The R&D in India has specifically worked on a design & engineering concept suitable for right-hand drive and India-exclusive powertrains.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Noriake Abe, Chief Operating Officer, Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “The WR-V is an all-new premium model in the Honda family and features the brand’s global DNA. Based on Honda’s most successful platform world-wide, WR-V has the best of Honda technology and design. India is the first country to manufacture and launch the Honda WR-V in the world which is testimony to Honda Motor Company’s commitment to the India market.”
At launch, the Honda WR-V is available in two variants, S and VX, with the option of a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine. The 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine develops 90PS and 110Nm of torque, while the the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine produces 100PS and 200Nm of torque, with Honda claiming fuel efficiency figures of 17.5km/l and 25.5km/l, respectively. The diesel gets cruise control and an engine start/stop button and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, while the petrol variant gets a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The WR-V measures at 3,999mm in length, 1,734mm in width, 1,601mm in height and a wheelbase of 255mm. It rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and 195/60 profile tyres which give the WR-V a ground clearance of 188mm. LED daytime running lights (DLRs) will be offered as a standard feature across all variants while at the rear, the WR-V features new L-shaped LED tail lamps and new rear bumper and tailgate that sets it apart from the Jazz.
Inside the cabin, the WR-V comes in 2 interior colour themes; black and bluish grey seat fabric and black & silver seat fabric. Honda has added a host of cool features inside the WR-V’s cabin including segment-first electric sunroof with one touch open/close function, a Digipad touchscreen infotainment system, a front centre armrest and an automatic climate control with Touch Control panel.
The WR-V is equipped with a wide range of Honda’s active and passive safety technologies which are offered as standard equipment across all variants. This includes dual SRS front airbags, Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), pedestrian injury mitigation technology, Intelligent Pedal (Brake Over Ride System) and multi-angle rear view camera with ‘guidelines’ for the VX grade.
Available in a choice of 6 colour options; Premium Amber Metallic (New), Modern Steel Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Carnelian Red Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Golden Brown Metallic, the all-new Honda WR-V retails from Rs 7.75 lakh (RM52k) to Rs 9.99 lakh (RM67k). It will compete with the likes of Ford EcoSport and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Check out the teaser video for the WR-V below! And no, Honda Malaysia isn’t considering the WR-V for our market, after all, we already have the all-conquering BR-V anyway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kEaudU8E6s
