Japanese automaker, Honda has unveiled the new WR-V compact SUV in Indonesia. The new model is based on the new Jazz/City platform and will first go on sale in the Indonesian market. Compared to the existing model, the new WR-V is longer, wider and taller. In fact, Honda is studying the new WR-V for our market. Interestingly, Honda is also developing a new compact SUV for our market to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.
The India-spec Honda SUV will be based on the fifth generation City platform instead of the fourth-gen City architecture, which is used to develop the existing WR-V. The new Honda SUV will measure around 4.2-4.3 meters in length and will be slotted below the Honda HR-V on sale in select international markets. Honda could also export the new SUV in select international markets.
The report claims that the new Honda’s Creta rival SUV is scheduled to be launched in the Indian market in mid-2023, just ahead of festive season. The new Honda SUV is likely to share the engine options with the City sedan. For people not in the know, Honda has decided to discontinue its 1.5L diesel engine from the Indian market on the arrival of the stricter emission norms in April 2023.
The new Honda compact SUV is likely to be powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that also powers the City sedan. This engine is capable of producing 121bhp of power and 145Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic gearbox. It is also likely to get Honda’s e:HEV hybrid system that is offered on the City sedan. It will get an Atkinson Cycle 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. The gasoline unit produces a peak power of 98bhp and with electric assistance it makes 109bhp. Its combined torque output stands at 253Nm. The hybrid sedan is available with a single, fixed-gear ratio and three drive modes – Engine, EV and Hybrid.
New Honda WR-V Details
The new-gen Honda WR-V is a production version of the RS SUV concept, which was unveiled at the last year’s GIIAS. The new model measures 4,060mm in length, 1,608mm in height and 1,780mm in width, and has a wheelbase of 2495mm. It has a ground clearance of 220mm. The SUV rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. The new model has a boot space of 380-litres. The new WR-V will rival the likes of the Kia Sonet, Toyota Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky in Indonesia.
In terms of safety features, the new Honda WR-V gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, and Honda Sensing safety bundle that’s ADAS tech. It comes with lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam assist and others. It is powered by a 121bhp, 1.5L petrol engine with manual and CVT gearbox options.
Source – AutoCarIndia
