Honda Car India will soon introduce the new muscular and sporty WR-V on 16 March . The new compact crossover is based on the current Honda Jazz.
The new Honda WR-V is set to be priced slightly higher than the Jazz hatchback but less than the newly launched Honda City. Even though the new WR-V is based on the Jazz, the WR-V, at 3,999 mm, is 45 mm longer than the Jazz. The crossover is also 57 mm taller at 1,601 mm and the wheelbase has been stretched by 25 mm to 2,555 mm. It also has a higher ground clearance of 188 mm.
The WR-V is powered by the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine producing 90 PS and 110 Nm. Paired to a five-speed manual transmission with drive going to the front wheels. Boasting a claimed fuel efficiency of 17.5 km/l. The WR-V will also get the 1.5-litre i-DTEC turbo-diesel option producing 100 PS, with power going through a six-speed manual transmission. Honda claim the diesel engine gives a fuel economy of 25.5 km/l. The price of the WR-V is yet to be announced but expected to be between the Jazz and the City.
The competition, though, is intimidating as the WR-V seeks to take market share from some well established products. Riding in first is the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. The Brezza packs a familiar 1.3-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 90 PS and 200 Nm. The Vitara Brezza has recently won the coveted ICOTY (Indian Car Of The Year) award. The Brezza also comes with the iCreate customisation options, where Brezza buyers can even personalise their cars to their liking. Given the popularity of Maruti Suzuki in India, the Brezza may be the incoming WR-V’s fiercest rival.
Rolling in next from Korean manufacturer Hyundai is the popular and attractive i20 Active. The modern design, equipment and interior quality in the i20 Active has always been at par with the top. The i20 Active comes with a choice of a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.4-litre 90-PS turbo-diesel engine, giving the i20 Active a strong foundation for success.
Across the ocean, coming from the United States of America is the automotive giant Ford with the compact EcoSport. The EcoSport has been around for some time now, but in that period it has gained immense popularity with the masses for being a good looking and practical urban SUV. The EcoSport comes equipped with three different engine options 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine paired to a five-speed manual gearbox, a 1.5-litre petrol engine exclusively available paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine making 100 PS and 205 Nm, with power going to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Ford have showcased an updated EcoSport with more equipment and features improved safety-technology.
You can look forward to our first drive review of the new Honda WR-V in our upcoming April issue. To know more about the new Honda WR-V: Honda WR-V Specs and Features
Story: Sahej Patheja
