Honda WR-V Competition check

Honda has launched the new WR-V and the new car finds itself in the sub-four metre SUV space. The WR-V is based on the Jazz platform but looks nothing like the hatchback from the outside. While there are quite a few cars in the sub-four metre crossover space, the SUV styling of the WR-V puts it in competition with Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Ford Ecosport and the Mahindra Nuvosport. Let us find out how the WR-V performs.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The Vitara Brezza is the highest selling compact SUV in the Indian market and it will be a tad challenging for the WR-V to prove its mettle. But then, the WR-V has more space to offer, has more horsepower from the diesel engine and also looks more dramatic. The WR-V matches the Vitara in terms of ride and handling and also has a petrol variant. As compared to the Vitara Brezza, the WR-V does offer more. The top-spec WR-V does get sunroof and bells and whistles that C-segment sedans boast about in the top-spec VX trim.

Ford Ecosport

The Ford Ecosport is the pioneer of the sub-four metre SUV segment in India. It looks aggressive and rounded and offers both petrol and diesel engine options including the much-awarded EcoBoost engine. With the prices slashed last year and the updated 98bhp diesel engine, the Ecosport almost matches the WR-V spec by spec. But, price, cabin space and boot space are certainly the aces up the WR-Vs sleeve. On the other hand, six airbags and maintenance costs favour the Ford, making it a tough match for the WR-V.

Mahindra Nuvosport

The Mahindra Nuvosport, the TUV300 and the Bolero Power Plus are the same wine but in different bottles for different tastes. The Nuvosport is the most urbane of the three and hence we pitch it against the WR-V. The Nuvosport’s three-cylinder engine is noisy even when compared to the Honda’s 1.5-litre diesel but develops less horsepower. The lack of refinement is not only limited to the engine but also the ride and handling dynamics of the Nuvosport. Also, it is the heaviest of the lot and fails to match the competition in terms of finesse. But if you want something rugged, the Mahindra will pip the other three right away.