Honda India launches WR-V at Rs7.75 lakh, enters compact SUV segment

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), the Indian arm of Japanese carmaker Honda, on Thursday launched its new model, Honda WR-V, to enter the fast-growing sub-four-metre compact SUV segment in India.

The new Sporty Lifestyle Vehicle, WR-V, is priced at Rs7.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the petrol variant and Rs8.79 lakh for the diesel. The top end of petrol variant comes for Rs8.99 lakh and the top end diesel model for Rs9.99 lakh.

The sub-four-metre WR-V will compete with Ford EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Creta, among others.

The WR-V, which is based on Honda's successful Jazz platform, features a sporty and sophisticated exterior design, high quality spacious interiors with advanced equipment, top-of-the-class fuel efficiency, powerful performance and full range of safety features.

The diesel version is powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-DTEC Diesel 6 MT 100PS@3600rpm 200NM@1750rpm engine that claims to give 25.5 km per litre.

The petrol version is powered by a 1.2L SOHC i-VTEC 5 MT 90PS@6000rpm 110NM@4800rpm engine that gives 17.5 km per litre.

Key specifications include: length: 3999 mm; width: 1,734 mm; height: 1.601 mm; wheelbase: 255 mm; ground clearance: 188 mm; boot space: 363 lt

The suspension of WR-V has been designed to match the active lifestyle of the customers with greater roll stability and improved rigidity for better handling performance.

WR-V is the first model developed by Honda R&D India along with Honda R&D, Japan, to match the needs and aspirations of young Indian customers who are looking for status, comfort and have an active lifestyle. The R&D in India has specifically worked on design and engineering concept suitable for right-hand drive and India-exclusive powertrains.

Speaking on the occasion, Noriaki Abe, chief operating officer, regional operations (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co Ltd, said, ''The WR-V is an all-new premium model in the Honda family and features the brand's global DNA. Based on Honda's most successful platform world-wide, WR-V has the best of Honda technology and design. India is the first country to manufacture and launch the Honda WR-V in the world, which is testimony to Honda Motor Company's commitment to the Indian market.''

 ''The fast-evolving Indian market has shown strong demand for compact vehicles that are stylish, comfortable and have premium features. With the launch of the Honda WR-V, we would like to provide joy for recreational usage and comfortable driving for daily use in the city for customers in India. We are confident that WR-V will help us to fortify our premium image in all segments,'' Yoichiro Ueno, president and CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd, said.

''We are extremely thankful to our customers in India for their faith in the brand,'' he added. The WR-V has been developed under the concept of ''Refresh for Urban India'' which is built around 30 million concepts of Urban Active Lifestyle that is high seating stance and ground clearance, smart compact exterior with spacious interior along with versatility and utility, pleasurable high quality interior and class leading fuel efficiency.

The new WR-V has a striking road presence with bold looks. It has exclusive day-time running LED DRL and position lamps and the front grill with solid wing face. All this accentuates its premium appeal with intense, sharp and stunning look. The large glass area offers excellent driver visibility and sense of space for all occupants.

Key exterior features include: solid wing chrome grille on the front, turn indicator on ORVM; first-in-segment electric sunroof with one-touch open / close function with auto reverse silver finished roof rail garnish; R16 alloy wheel design with gunmetal finish; armor like protective body cladding with big tires; headlamp integrated signature LED DRLs and position lamps; high ground clearance; premium split type rear combination lamps  chrome door handles; front fog lamps and LED high mount stop lamp.

The interior design concept of the new WR-V is ''Novelty Urban'' that expresses fun, youthfulness, and progressive feeling. The new WR-V comes with 2 interior colour themes – urban casual: black and bluish grey seat fabric and urban sophisticated: black and silver seat fabric.

Based on Honda's ''Man Maximum Machine Minimum'' concept, the WR-V offers luxurious space, which is more than even cars in higher categories. Key Interior design features: advanced multi-information combination meter with LCD display, blue backlight and silver finish and intelligent storage spaces.