Honda revealed the W-RV at the 2016 Sao Paulo International Motor Show in Brazil. Now, some recent reports and pictures suggest that Honda has already started manufacturing this model at their Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. Based on the Honda Jazz platform the W-RV i.e. Winsome Runabout Vehicle will be different in terms of design and equipment. The W-RV will be a sub 4 meter compact crossover and significantly smaller than its sibling Honda B-RV which measures between 4453 mm and 4456 mm.
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W-RV is expected to have a 1.2L petrol engine that will produce around 87 hp and 110 Nm of torque. The diesel variants are expected to have a 1.5L turbocharged engine which will generate 100 hp and 200 Nm of torque similar to the current Honda Jazz model in India.The petrol version will have a 5-speed manual transmission with CVT gearbox while the diesel version will have a 6-speed manual transmission.
Honda will offer exciting features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as most of its competitors are already providing these features in the same segment. It is also expected that Honda will provide some new features such as touchscreen climate control unit, reverse parking sensors and reverse camera. And, of course, these features will be available in the top versions only.
The Honda W-RV’s exterior is expected to feature projector headlamps with daytime running lights, 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, turn indicators on the ORVMs (outside rear view mirrors), black/grey roof rails as well as black cladding on the wheel arches.
Honda is entering the compact SUV / crossover market with the launch expected in late February or March 2017. W-RV will compete with Ford Ecosport and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza , the current leaders in this segment.
Priced between Rs. 9 Lakhs to Rs. 15 Lakhs , ex-showroom price in Delhi, the W-RV is expected to be a game changer for Honda in India.