Honda launched its new Jazz-based WR-V at a starting price of ₹7.75 lakh in India. Taking styling notes from an SUV, Honda seems to be experimenting with the traditional hatchback design in the new car.
The WR-V is longer and taller than the Jazz with a more obvious grille and refined tailgate. The new model steps away from the typical hatchback look with an upright front and LED daytime running lamps. It also comes with a skid plate element and body cladding. The back has been worked on more with the reshaped bumpers and different bumper. The interior still has a lot in common except new seat fabrics and more facilities.
The WR-V is available in two trim, with both available with either Honda’s 90hp 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol motor or the 100hp 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol motor uses a five-speed manual gearbox while the diesel is offered with a six-speed unit. An automatic gearbox option is not available. Honda claims a fuel efficiency figure of 17.5kpl for the petrol WR-V while the diesel is rated to return 25.5kpl.
The WR-V marks Honda’s entry into the crossover hatchback segment where it rivals the likes of the VW Cross Polo, the Toyota Etios Cross, the Hyundai i20 Active, and the Fiat Avventura and Urban Cross.
Here is a summary of all that is available in each trim level:
Honda WR-V S (Petrol M/T: ₹7.75 lakh; Diesel M/T: ₹8.79 lakh)
LED daytime running lamps
Driver seat height adjust
Audio system with aux and Bluetooth connectivity
Steering-mounted controls
Manual AC
Remote and central locking
Electric adjust wing mirrors
Tilt and telescopic adjust steering
Dual front airbags
ABS
Honda WR-V VX (Petrol M/T: ₹8.99 lakh; Diesel M/T: ₹9.99 lakh)
Electric sunroof
Fog lamps
16-inch alloy wheels
Rear washer and wiper
Touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, voice command and MirrorLink connectivity
Auto climate control
Keyless entry and go (Diesel only)
Cruise control (Diesel only)
Electric retract wing mirrors
Reverse camera
Unlike the Jazz, the WR-V does not get the ‘magic seats’ on any trim.