The HR-V is a Honda Jazz-based SUV and it is different from the Honda Jazz-based crossover, the WR-V. To make things less complicated, the WR-V is the i20 Active-like butch Honda Jazz while the HR-V will be the Creta-equivalent Honda SUV. In an interview with PTI, Honda Cars India President and CEO, Yoichiro Ueno hinted at the possibility of bringing the HR-V to India.
In India, Honda has always been perceived as a premium brand and the Japanese manufacturer has always cashed in on this with their premium pricing strategy. Also, in India, an SUV is always perceived as a premium and after strengthening the hatchback and the sedan segments with the Brio, the Jazz the Amaze and the City, Honda would want to make its presence felt in the largest selling segment of crossovers and SUVs.
While the WR-V would be a nice idea where the unchallenged i20 Active will get some competition, Honda will have to figure out the pricing for the HR-V. For all Asian markets, the Honda HR-V is priced at a sizeable premium over the BR-V. Which means, for a Creta-sized car (length around 4300mm), you will have to spend more than Rs 20 lakh. The pricing would pitch it against the upcoming Hyundai Tucson instead of the Dusters and the Terranos.
Known as the Honda Vezel in the Japanese market, the HR-V may have a slim chance of coming to the Indian shores and that totally depends upon the demand, if made, by the Indian customers.
