Honda Jazz Based Crossover WR-V Spied

Honda is constantly expanding its product range throughout the world by bringing in new cars into almost every segment. It has also introduced a variety of cars in India in the past few years, such as the Mobilio, the new Jazz, the BR-V, and so on. At the same time, however, it has also discontinued the popular Civic, but that’s a story I'll keep for some other day, because we've just got hold of the spy shots of a new Jazz-based crossover, the WR-V. In the latest spy shots, the upcoming crossover is seen under heavy camouflage, but going by the pictures it seems to be in near production guise.

We were able to gauge a few elements of the WR-V from the pictures. Notice the squarish, reflector-type headlamps, similar to the ones we have in the Ford Ecosport. These indicate that the car would be quite different from the Jazz, upon which it is based, since the latter has a sleeker and more angular headlamp unit. Another change is in the high-set, boxy bonnet, such as the one in the BR-V, which will give the WR-V the necessary SUV-like cues. The Spy shots are of a well concealed test mule under the camouflage, but the early renderings and concept images had given us a fair idea that the WR-V will impress with its looks.

Apart from the looks, the WR-V will also share mechanicals with the Jazz. Globally, the crossover is expected to be powered by the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with the six-speed manual and CVT automatic transmission options. If launched in India, it could retain the same set of diesel and petrol motors. However, considering the premium positioning of the car (above the Jazz), we may get the 1.5-litre petrol as well, unlike Jazz.  Moreover, we expect a bigger set of wheels on the WR-V than the Jazz, and also a higher ground clearance.

There is a good chance of the WR-V making it to India, since Honda’s Tapukara plant has all the necessary ingredients to produce it. Because the unit caters to the Jazz’s production for India as well as other major markets such as South Africa. So, it shouldn’t be a great deal to produce a jazz-based crossover. Speaking of the Indian debut, it might take place in the second half of 2017 or even earlier.

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