What really is a cross-hatchback? There’s no textbook definition really. But, at a bare minimum, any hatchback with a rugged body kit makes the cut; the more plastic cladding (and ground clearance) the better. The idea is simple: to cash in on Indians’ love for SUVs. The thing is, cross-hatchbacks exist when compact SUVs (the sub four-metre variety) don’t. Think about it. Hyundai, Volkswagen, Toyota and Fiat, each have cross-hatchbacks in their line-ups, while Maruti and Ford don’t. Whether the Vitara Brezza and EcoSport are SUV enough is a debate for another day. But by virtue of their shape, size and positioning, they are compact SUVs.
Now that you have the background, let’s get to the purpose of this piece. What we want to see
is where exactly Honda’s new WR-V fits in. With its bespoke styling, raised suspension and additional features, it is more than just a Jazz with cosmetic addenda. Is it all the rugged urban car you’d need or will it leave you longing for a compact SUV? We’ve brought in the most popular of the cross-hatchbacks, the Hyundai i20 Active, and the most popular of the compact SUVs, the Vitara Brezza, to provide the reference points.
Looking the part
Honda could have merely slapped on some bits of plastic cladding on the standard Jazz to come up with the WR-V. Thankfully, the carmaker’s approach was a lot more comprehensive, and the effect works. The WR-V’s bespoke front section with the high-set bonnet, along with the larger 16-inch wheels and 23mm increase in ground clearance to 188mm give it a distinct profile and a stance far removed from the MPV-like Jazz’s. There are identifiable carry-over bits like the doors but it’s easy to tell which of the Hondas is the SUV pretender. Styling, however, could be a point of contention. While some find the WR-V’s front end overdone, others like the effect of the stretched-out headlamps and heavily cladded bumper. Likewise for the tail that is best identified by its unique L-shaped tail-lamps.
Love it or hate it, you will agree the WR-V looks more quasi-SUV than the i20 Active manages to. Given the scale to which the standard i20’s shape found mass acceptance, Hyundai probably didn’t see the need to make expensive sheet metal changes for the i20 Active. And that’s the problem. The Active just doesn’t look unique enough. Sure, it’s got the requisite dose of plastic shrouds, roof rails and even ground clearance is up to a useful 190mm, but, even so, the Active looks like a tarted-up i20 and no more. Just looking at one, you’ll question if the Active is worth the Rs 60,000 premium over the standard i20.
Put this trio on display and it’s the Vitara Brezza that will generate the most interest. It’s not butch-looking from any angle but it’s still got that defined SUV silhouette and that seemingly counts for a lot among Indian buyers. A more adventurous styling would have been welcome, but for its part, Maruti has done well to add some glam to the Brezza’s simple lines with the contrast roof and there’s a full catalogue of accessories to stylise it further. Its 198mm ground clearance also gives it an advantage over the other two but venture into the rough stuff at your own peril. Like the Honda and Hyundai cross-hatchbacks, the Maruti SUV is front-wheel drive only.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
