WR-V is the second most selling model of Handa after City. The feature-packed sub-compact SUV offers decent performance and attractive styling.
Honda WR-V had a very fair success in the past years. But it is quite different in 2020 because its rivals have also increased in numbers and also in capabilities. Due to this Honda has developed and worked on the exteriors and interiors to look different from its previous model Jazz.
Exteriors
The updated WR-V has bolder looks than before. The headlamps have LED projector with nice detailing. For offering the impression of being larger than before, the grille beneath the chrome bar has more horizontal slats. The side and rear looks are similar but they have a new design for 16-inch shark grey alloy wheels which are only available for diesel models and a new LED element for tail lamp and with final touch fog lamps are also LED-powered with more esteemed black housing.
Interiors
There are fewer changes inside than outside. Dashboard is smart, angular and all black as before with silver trim embellishments. The plastic quality is also good. The only change is in seat cushioning which looks sportier than before. The piano black finish for the automatic climate controls serves purpose than a smudge magnet.
Honda's Back seats are also highlighted because of their package space but now driver seat has fold-out side cooled cup holder in front of AC vents for the driver and deep armrest storage which also has a 12-V accessory socket. The seats have more supportive touch than before. It also gets a height-adjustable driver seat along with tilt and telescopic steering adjustment. The dial-in big glass area and a nice driving position will make driving easy and fun in Honda.
Entering the rear row is easier than before because of its decent door opening and accessible seat height. The sense of space is good because of large windows and sunroof. The seats are quite spongy and may lead to slide slightly on long journeys. The knee room and headroom are quite spacious even for 6 footers. The shoulder room is also profuse.
Storage capacity acts as another trump card for WRV with numerous storage spaces like cup holders and space in front armrest and front seat pockets. There are also bottle holders in all four doors. Its 363 litres boot space is better than its rivals. This space is enough for luggage for a family of four on weekend holidays.
This variant has many features like key-less entry, push-button start/stop, leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-functions, 7-inch multi-information touch screen display, cruise control, sunroof, touch console for auto climate control, and onboard navigation which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also has 6 speaker sound system and HDMI and USB port for video playback.
Engine Options
The BS6 emission norms have a bittersweet effect on 1.5 liters i-DTEC diesel. The engines have better performance and efficiency with good refinement levels. The engine clatter is reduced and the NVH levels are also improved. Therefore, there is reduction in road and tyre noise to make it more comfortable while prolonged driving.
The engine is 100PS/200Nm and paired with 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch is light and the gear stick is short and sure-slotting. The fuel efficiency number has dropped from 25.5kmpl to 23.7kmpl. It has 1.2 liters four-cylinder petrol engine with aspirated i-VTEC engines, good amount of pep low down, a flat mid-range and resurgence of power past 5000 rpm. Honda has dropped the Lean NOx Trap route to achieve BS6 emissions standards and the process requires a periodic shot of rich fuel mixture to neutralize the NOx pollutants in the filter.
Safety features
The safety list contains dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking camera with parking sensors, high-speed alert and rear defogger. Due to updates, it has received great ride and handling balance. On rough roads, the bump absorption and body control are quite better than before.
It stays more composed around corners than the average compact SUVs with well-judged suspension and relatively low centre of gravity of its crossover body. Just like seats, the suspension setup is softly bound. It sails over minor potholes, slightly disjointed patches and small sharp bumps in a very easy manner. The bobble head movements are also distinct. The brakes have improved which shed speed better than before. The brake pedal feels gradual but the second stage is a little sharp.
Pricing
It is priced between Rs. 8.50-10.99 lakhs. It is on the lesser expensive side in comparison to its rivals including Ford EcoSport.
