Honda WR-V Road Test Review

The new WR-V which comes in both petrol and diesel engine option (a 1.5L, i-DTEC, diesel and a 1.2L, i-VTEC, petrol engine) could give cars like the Hyundai i20 Active, Toyota Etios Cross, Volkswagen Cross Polo, the Mahindra KUV 100 and several other compact SUVs and crossovers a stiff competition. Honda has termed the WR-V as a 'Sporty Lifestyle Vehicle'. While the diesel engine is quite peppy with a turbo that kicks in as early as 1500rpm, and liner power delivery, the petrol engine seems to lose steam as the car is pushed into higher gears. It seems a tad under powered.

Both the 1.5L diesel and 1.2L petrol which is being offered by Honda on the WR-V deliver very good mileage figures. While Honda claims the diesel to return 25.5kmpl the petrol will return 17.5kmpl. The diesel mill puts out 98.6bhp at 3600rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1750rpm. The 1.5L i-DTEC diesel mill has been mated to a 6-speed manual transmission which has a wider gear ratio range and a high final gear ratio for improved fuel efficiency.

The 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine has been mated to a new 5-speed manual transmission with a cross gear ratio and has lower gear ratios in comparison to the 6-speed transmission. The final gear on this new transmission has been set to a lower ratio for improved acceleration. The 1.2L, i-VTEC, engine puts out 88.74bhp at 6000rpm and 110Nm of torque at 4600rpm.

The difference between the top end diesel and petrol versions of the WR-V is that while the diesel engine is mated to a six speed gear box, the petrol engine is mated to a new 5-speed gearbox. As far as features are concerned, the diesel car has a start stop button while it’s missing in the petrol version. The diesel model also comes with cruise control buttons on the steering wheel while this feature is missing entirely in the petrol version.

 Honda has designed the WR-V around a few key factors such as a high ground clearance, high seating stance, maneuverable, compact exterior, spacious interiors, high quality interiors and high fuel efficiency. The front fascia features a sharp headlamp cluster with LED DRLs and positioning lamps, the rear gets a polygonal design for the tail lamps which have been integrated into the boot lid. The front gets horizontal lines, a wing faced grille design and an imposing bumper with oodles of plastic cladding. The sides feature bold cladding all around with 16 inch alloys and roof rails to enhance its macho appeal. Honda will be offering the WR-V in 6 different colour schemes.

The interiors of the new WR-V also get 2 colour themes -- Urban Casual (Black & Bluish grey seat fabric) and Urban Sophisticated (Black & Silver).

The Honda WR-V also features ample of storage spaces and cubby holes along with some unique features like an adjustable driver side cup holder which doubles up as a smartphone holder as well. The WR-V will also get a centre armrest with a storage space designed to fit tablets and iPads and also gets a USB plug in slot. Other features available on the new WR-V are USB input and HDMI input apart from 12V power outlets. The crossover will offer consumers 363 litres of cargo volume as well which is a lot when compared to the current segment leaders.

The WR-V gets a 1st in segment electric one touch sunroof with a pinch safety function, touch panel for the automatic climate control, an always backlit multi information combination meter, Honda's new DigiPag which gets inputs for 2 USB slots, 1.5GB internal memory, 2 Micro SD slots and 1 HDMI input.

The DigiPad setup also supports MirrorLink for smart phone connectivity and an option for browsing the internet through WiFi connectivity. The 17.7cm infotainment setup also features bluetooth hands free telephony and smart phone integration along with voice commands. Other features include cruise control and electrically adjustable, smart button start/stop and retractable ORVMs.

The new Honda WR-V will be offered with ABS and EBD, Dual SRS front airbags, multi angle rear parking camera and Intelligent Pedal (Brake over ride system which gets activated if the accelerator and brake have been compressed together, initiating the system to over ride the accelerator input and apply only the brakes. 

The WR-V will also get a new suspension setup which features an increased wheelbase and tread for better stability, increased diameter of stabiliser for improved roll stability, high rigidity of the lower arm and knuckle for better handling dynamics. The WR-V features a McPherson Strut suspension in the front and a Torsion Beam in the rear. This crossover will also get an electronic power steering with adjustment available for rake and reach.