The Honda WR-V may seem like the Jazz with some SUV styling, but there’s more to it than meets the eye
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With the Honda WR-V ready to hit showrooms in mid-March 2017, you may have already flipped through a few reports to give you the obvious bits of information. Here’s a quick summary of those facts:
1. The WR-V is based on the same platform as the Jazz and the Honda City.
2. It will share its powertrain options with the Jazz i.e. a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel motor. The petrol will get a five-speed manual gearbox as standard with an optional CVT automatic, while the diesel will only be offered with a six-speed manual.
3. Since this is a Jazz-based crossover, the dashboard, and interiors at large, will be carried over as is.
Now, here’s a look at some of the more interesting bits:
Infotainment
As confirmed to us by Honda’s R&D executives, the WR-V will get the same seven-inch Digipad touchscreen infotainment system as the City facelift, on its higher variants. The system supports Bluetooth audio streaming and telephony, an SD card-based navigation system and a media player for playing audio and video files. It will also come with an HDMI port and USB connectivity, along with Wi-Fi and MirrorLink support. On a side note, it doesn’t get a CD drive or AUX port.
Sunroof
While it is based on the Jazz, the WR-V does borrow a fair bit from the City, including the option of a sunroof, which will be offered on the top-end grades.
Cruise Control
The WR-V will get the added benefit of cruise control. This feature, while sometimes difficult to use on our road conditions, will be a big boon for those looking at extensive highway usage. Not only does the WR-V have the look of an SUV, it also offers a lot of utility, thanks to its flexible cabin (derived from the Jazz). Chances are, a lot of people will be using it for inter-city trips or weekend getaways, where cruise control will come in handy. Additionally, Honda is also expected to throw in a push button starter!
Ground Clearance
Honda cars generally have a reputation of offering a weak ground clearance, making them prone to bottoming-out on our punishing road conditions. The WR-V, on the other hand, is expected to get a GC of around 200mm, which puts it in the same league as the Ford EcoSport. Even if you aren’t looking at driving through dirt tracks or semi-urban roads, the high ground clearance will give the WR-V an advantage while ferrying heavy passenger loads.
Greater Dimensions Than The Jazz
The WR-V has a longer wheelbase than the hatchback it’s based on (Jazz = 2,530mm, WR-V = 2,555mm). Even the width and height are greater at 1,730mm and 1,600mm respectively, as per Honda Brazil's official press release. The Brazil-spec WR-V is also said to measure four metres in length, though, Honda Car India may give it a little nip and tuck to keep the car within the four-metre length mark.
What’s your take on the Honda WR-V? What’s the price you’d consider buying it at? Let us know in the comments!
Also Read:
- 2017 Honda City: First Drive Review
- 2017 Honda City: Which Variant Suits You?
- Honda WR-V To Feature 2017 City's 7.0-Inch Infotainment Unit
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