India-bound Honda WR-V compact SUV teased
Last month, Honda revealed the sketches of their upcoming compact SUV, the WR-V. And now the company has put out a teaser image for the same. The Honda WR-V is essentially a Jazz based crossover which will officially debut at the 2016 Sao Paulo Motor Show, scheduled to take place between November 8-20, 2016 in Brazil.
The Honda WR-V replaces the Fit Twist (Jazz) sold in the international markets. The teaser image doesn't reveal much except for the DRLs and a muscular profile of the bonnet. The official sketch has already revealed the new radiator grille, larger bumper with the distinct fog lamp housing. In addition to that, the WR-V will also sport flared wheel arches, roof rails, characteristic lines on the side similar to that of the Jazz and also a higher ground clearance compared to that of the hatchback. Honda has still not revealed the rear profile of the WR-V.
Powering the Honda WR-V will be the same 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel engines that are offered in the Jazz hatchback. We did reach out to Honda India to get an official confirmation on the WR-V coming to India however the officials denied making a comment on the same. Honda Jazz, since its launch in India last year, has been doing a steady sales of 3,000 to 4,000 units per month. However, it strongest rival, the Hyundai Elite i20 along with the i20 Active has been clocking a sales of 9,000 to 10,000 units per month. The Honda WR-V will be positioned between the Jazz and the 7-seater BR-V. We believe the compact SUV can give Honda the necessary boost in sales figures.
The Honda WR-V, when launched in India, will compete with the likes of the Hyundai i20 Active, Volkswagen Cross Polo and also the Toyota Etios Cross. We expect the WR-V to arrive in India by late 2017 and will be priced between Rs 6.5 lakh to 10 lakh.