EXCLUSIVE!
Honda is readying an all-new crossover-hatchback based on the Jazz hatchback. This new model will be called the Honda WR-V and is headed to India sometime around March next year. Honda will unveil the WR-V at the upcoming Sao Paulo Motor show 2016.
Honda South America has released a first sketch of this new model that gives us an idea of its design. Up front, Honda’s new crossover gets an aggressive front bumper with muscular touches along with a prominent chin. The headlights will differ from the Jazz and will get its unique kink at the bottom. The grill gets a thick chrome band similar to one seen on the recent Honda models like the BR-V.
Moving on to the sides, the WR-V will get muscular front fenders and prominent body cladding on the wheel arches and on the doors in order to achieve a rugged-look. The doors and the rear fender are likely to be shared with the Jazz but at the back, the WR-V will get a different tailgate with the license plate moving below on the bumper. On the insides, expect the WR-V to share interior bit and seating from the Jazz in order to keep costs in check. Honda will however add subtle differentiating bits on the WR-V’s interior.
Under the hood, the WR-V will get the same engine and gearbox options as the standard car. These include the 90.0.6hp, 1.2-litre, i-VTEC petrol engine, borrowed from the Brio, and the 100hp 1.5-litre Earth Dreams i-DTEC diesel engine like on the City and the Mobilio. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a CVT gearbox for the petrol motor; the diesel unit is mated to a six-speed manual.
Overall, the WR-V will be more like a cross-hatch version of the standard Jazz and is expected to take on the Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura and the Toyota Etios Cross.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
