Honda WR-V: Brand's first model imported to Japan from India

The new Honda WR-V is the latest addition to the automaker's lineup in Japan as a budget B-SUV positioned below the Vezel. The model is almost the same as the Indian Elevate and is Honda's maiden import from India to Japan.

The name WR-V stands for "Winsome Runabout Vehicle". This new vehicle for the Japanese market is unrelated to the second-generation WR-V currently offered in Southeast Asian markets including Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. This can be seen in its boxier styling and taller stance.

From the exterior, the WR-V appears the same as the Elevate model in India, except for the distinctive labeling on the tailgate. The B-SUV is 4,312 mm (169.8 in) long, 1,790 mm (70.5 in) wide, and 1,650 mm (65 in) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm (106.3 in). It is 23 mm (0.9 in) shorter and 70 mm (2.8 in) taller than the Honda Vezel. The latter measurement is partly due to the ground clearance, which is higher of 220 mm (8.7 in).

Inside, the new WR-V has hard plastics, glossy black inserts, and gray fabric on the seats, all of which expose the car's affordability. The photos show that the WR-V has plenty of room for backseat passengers and a spacious trunk with a flat floor, capable of holding 458 liters (16.2 cubic feet). It's worth noting that the detachable infotainment screen seems to be smaller than the 10.25-inch version on the Elevate and is paired with a fairly simple info display. The Honda Sensing suite includes a lot of Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) gear.

The Honda WR-V/Elevate came from Honda's Asia Pacific R&D Center in Thailand and is manufactured in Rajasthan, India. It has the same powertrain as the Honda City - a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine producing 119 bhp (89 kW / 121 hp) and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque.

The pictured vehicle is equipped with a CVT that sends power to the front axle. It is not clear if Honda will offer Japanese buyers the 6-speed manual option available in India.

The Honda WR-V will arrive at Japanese dealerships in the spring of 2024. Pricing will start in the low ¥2 million ($13,240) range and below the ¥2.5 million ($16,550) mark, making the WR-V significantly cheaper than the electrified and more premium-looking Honda Vezel (also known as HR-V).

Source: Carscoops