India-bound Honda WR-V revealed in Brazil

Wraps come off the Honda WR-V compact-crossover in Brazil. Expected to be launched in India sometime in 2017.

Honda has unveiled the new WR-V compact-crossover at the 2016 Sao Paulo show in Brazil. Based on the Honda Fit hatchback (Jazz in India), the sub-compact crossover will go into production early in 2017. In the initial phase, the WR-V will be launched for the South American market only. However, given the popularity of compact-SUVs in India, it’s highly likely that it will be brought in here sometime in 2017.

The main highlight of the WR-V is its design. Although its underpinnings are shared with the Jazz/Fit, the high-riding WR-V looks significantly different from the hatchback. The front-fascia is typical of new Hondas, featuring a thick chrome grille and sharply stretched-out headlamps. What gives the WR-V a bit of an aggression is its wide bumper - with one too many busy lines - and a prominent silver skid plate with all black cladding around the front bumper. The body cladding continues to run around all the wheels and rear bumper, imparting a rugged appearance to the car. The rear-section is also completely different from the hatchback – the tail-lamps are re-profiled while it also has a new tail-gate and a thick silver skid plate.

Honda hasn’t revealed the interior of the WR-V as yet, but it’s expected to be similar to the Jazz/Fit in terms of design and layout. Same goes for the powertrain. While Honda hasn’t confirmed the exact specifications, the Brazil-spec WR-V will most likely come with the Fit’s 1.5-litre petrol engine. For the Indian market, expect it to get the 1.5-litre diesel and 1.2-litre petrol engines that are currently available with the Jazz.

When launched in India, the Honda WR-V will take the fight against established rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport.

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