Honda WR-V, Track Test

People today want SUVs – this much is very clear. At the affordable end of this scale are compact SUVs, which appear to have become the best thing since sliced bread. The trouble here is that the WR-V isn’t one. 

Based on the Jazz, this is a crossover at best. However, that’s not really a bad thing if you’re looking for a practical car. All it takes is for you to take a test drive in this car, following which you’re bound to have a really strong argument with yourself about turning it down. For starters, compact SUVs aren’t exactly spacious cars. But the WR-V is – it’s got an additional 25mm added to its wheelbase over the Jazz (an already spacious car), there’s plenty of headroom and shoulder-room for all its occupants, and it’s got a big boot. Then there are perks such as a sunroof and a very airy cabin. 

Also working in the WR-V’s favour are its car-like driving dynamics, which makes it easier to drive in traffic. The soft suspension ensures that the ride is always comfortable no matter how bad our road surfaces get. This combined with the light steering ensures that this is a very easy car to manoeuvre in traffic. However, the practical nature of the WR-V is not best suited to a racetrack – as is evident from its 1:17.3 lap time. But that’s not a bad thing really. For the WR-V never gets unsettled or thrown about while changing direction at high speeds. So, it’s well balanced and will make for a great highway car. Its lap time is down to its 100bhp, 1.5-litre diesel engine being tuned for efficiency. And, on this account, it has to be said that this is one of the most efficient cars on the market today. 

What deserves special mention in the WR-V is the kind of work that’s been put in by Honda in terms of refinement. Over the years, the company has improved its diesel engine’s refinement by leaps and bounds. So much so that the engine note is now much quieter, the clutch is extremely light and it’s got the smoothest gearshift in its segment. So, for comfort and refinement, you can’t blame the WR-V. For excitement, however, you will have to look elsewhere. 

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