Japanese auto major Honda Car India launched
their latest offering, the WR-V crossover for a starting price of Rs. 7,75,000
(ex-showroom Delhi). Stepping up their game for the Indian market, the new WR-V
will go up against the likes of the i20 Active, Etios Cross, Cross Polo and
some compact SUVs.
Like the new Honda City, the company will
be offering the WR-V with many functions and features to entice the Indian
consumer. However, their Indian R&D department has been thorough in
studying the requirements of consumers and have worked in tandem with Honda
R&D Co. Ltd. to establish a well rounded concept. Honda has termed the WR-V
as a 'Sporty Lifestyle Vehicle' and will offer it with a 1.5L, i-DTEC, diesel
and a 1.2L, i-VTEC, petrol engine.
The Honda WR-V prices are as follows:
|
VARIANTS
|
DIESEL
|
PETROL
|
|
S
(MT)
|
8,79,000
|
7,75,000
|
|
VX(MT)
|
9,99,900
|
8,99,000
|
CLICK HERE FOR THE HONDA WR-V ROAD TEST
REVIEW
DESIGN
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. In terms of design Honda has given the WR-V a tough and robust
look. 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). Honda has utilised the platform from the
Jazz to create the WR-V, thus being able to increase length, wheelbase and
ground clearance of the WR-V. The crossover will offer consumers 363 litres of
cargo volume as well which is a lot when compared to the current segment leaders.
FEATURES
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 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.
POWERTRAIN
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.
SAFETY
& SUSPENSION
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.