Honda WR-V crossover: the cheapest, but richer than its Indian brother

The compact SUV is preparing to start sales in Japan. Indian-made cars will be supplied there; the model will be offered with the uncontested 1.5 aspirated engine.

Honda’s range now includes two different crossovers with the WR-V index: one of them has been presented in Southeast Asia since last year, and the second was announced in Japan. But if the first cross is the original model, then the SUV intended for the Land of the Rising Sun is the Indian Honda Elevate with a different nameplate. The presentation of the five-door in Honda’s homeland was held in November, and now the configurations and prices have been announced. True, the Japanese who want to purchase the new Honda WR-V will still have to wait: the start of sales is scheduled for March 2024, the cars will be delivered from India.

Honda WR-V for Japan, basic version X 1/4 Honda WR-V for Japan, basic version X 2/4 Honda WR-V for Japan, medium version Z 3/4 Honda WR-V for Japan, mid-range Z 4/4

Outside and inside, the Japanese SUV repeated the “Indian” one, except that the crosses have different optional design packages. At the same time, the Honda WR-V is for some reason slightly longer than the Elevate: 4325 versus 4312 mm. The remaining dimensions are the same: width – 1790 mm, height – 1650 mm, wheelbase – 2650 mm. Trunk volume – 458 liters. By the way, the Honda Vezel crossover available in Japan (aka HR-V in some markets) has similar dimensions, but this model is better equipped.

Honda WR-V for Japan, top version Z+ 1/3 Honda WR-V for Japan, top version Z+ 2/3 Honda WR-V for Japan, top version Z+ 3/3

But the WR-V is richer than its Indian brother, it already has six airbags and the Honda Sensing complex (adaptive cruise control, auto braking, lane keeping, automatic headlight switching and road sign recognition) as standard. like the Honda Elevate, all this goodness is included only in the most expensive configuration. However, you traditionally have to pay extra for multimedia in Japan.

Honda WR-V for Japan 1/5 Honda WR-V for Japan 2/5 Honda WR-V for Japan 3/5 Honda WR-V for Japan 4/5 Honda WR-V for Japan 5/5

The list of standard equipment for the Honda WR-V also includes climate control and LED optics; starting from the “middle” version, LED foglights and a leather steering wheel appear, and the top-end SUV also has silver roof rails, similar color door moldings and glass trim.

Honda WR-V for Japan with optional design package

The engine was switched from the “Indian” — it is a 1.5 naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine without any hybrid add-ons (the older Vezel in Japan comes in the form of a hybrid). But for the WR-V, the output was slightly reduced: 118 hp. and 142 Nm instead of 121 hp. and 145 Nm for the Honda Elevate. For the Japanese, the crossover will be available only with a CVT, although in India you can still choose a manual transmission. In any case, the drive is only front-wheel drive.

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Honda WR price -V varies from 2,098,800 to 2,489,300 yen, which is equivalent to approximately 1,342,000 — 1,592,000 rubles at the current exchange rate. Thus, the model opens the local SUV line of the brand (Honda Vezel will cost at least 2,399,100 yen or 1,535,000 rubles).

Probably, next year the Indian-made SUV will appear on other markets, but under what name is still a question.