Honda is all geared up for the launch of the upcoming Jazz-based compact crossover, the WR-V. Just a few days ago, the manufacturer teased the car under a veil after releasing a rendered sketch. And now, Honda has dropped yet another teaser of the WR-V ahead of its global unveiling at the 2016 Sao Paulo Motor show. The WR-V is expected to come to India in late 2017.
Not much has been revealed in the final teaser, but it sheds some light on the face of the new vehicle prompting a new headlamp design with integrated LED daytime running lamps. The logo is expected to be sitting on a thick grille slat as seen on the Honda’s sold in India. The car also seems to get a muscular body kit to lend it the crossover appearance.
The WR-V has been spotted testing on the South American roads multiple times. Initially, it will go on sale in the South American market, before making its way to India. Replacing the Honda Fit Twist in South America, it will be a fresh product everywhere else. The WR-V will wear the Honda’s ‘Solid Wing Face’ with an aggressive and busy bumper with skid plates. It will keep the Jazz’s side crease but will have flared front fenders and prominent body cladding on the wheel arches. At the back, a redesigned bumper with skid plates, a different tailgate, and redesigned tail lamps are expected. The cabin will be standard Honda Jazz affair but is expected with some upgrades in terms of features and possibly on the safety front as well.
The Brazilian-spec car is expected to be offered with the 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Whereas in India, it will get the same engines fitted in the Jazz, which includes the 1.2-litre i-VTEC making 87bhp and the new 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel motor putting out 98bhp, both engines mated to either a five-speed or six-speed manual or the CVT automatic transmission. When launched in India, it will take on the Hyundai i20 Active, Toyota Etios Cross, Fiat Avventura Toyota Etios Cross, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra NuvoSport as well as the Volkswagen Cross Polo. The WR-V arrives at a time when there has been a growing demand for crossovers and compact SUVs amongst the Indian car buyers.
