With the likes of VW Polo Cross, Hyundai i20 Activa and Toyota Etios Cross discontinued, Honda WR-V could have swept the market all alone. Honda Cars India doesn’t rely on SUV. So, the WR-V is an answer to the likes of Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
Come 2020, Honda has revised the engine to meet the BS6 emission norms. Certain cosmetic changes tag along as a part of the facelift. We drove the I-DTEC for a couple of hours to find an answer: How much does 2020 WR-V make sense?
The sub-four metre crossover has enough to create an immediate visual impact. Honda likes to call it ‘daring to go’. Standing true to the moniker, WR-V packs certain design elements, which may supply it an off-roader look.
The beefy skid plate, the chunky side cladding that runs across the body, 16-inch diamond-cut alloys and sporty roof rail add up to the off-road quotient. That said, don’t be mistaken.
If you’re used to seeing the WR-V, the front fascia would look distinctive. The new LED inserts in the headlamp cluster look more aggressive while the horizontally stacked bumper consumes greater space in the lower half than before. The changes, however, are hard to spot, inside or out, if exploring B-segment for the first time. The rear seems untouched with signature C-shaped, warp around lights complimenting the overall stance.
Call it a jacked-up Jazz or smart crossover, WR-V was a significant driver for Honda sale until the Covid-imposed lockdown had a grinding influence. An enormous amount of space inside the cabin made the WR-V a good choice for the family.
Thump the dash, and you understand very little has changed. Although, the upholstery used to cover the seat are new. The instrument console is large, equipped with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and in-built navigation unit, however, the arrangement looks somewhat dated and the feedback is slightly delayed.
The area under the infotainment looks modern though, thanks to a complete touch display for air conditioning set up. Triple dial arrangement in front of the driver may seem old school, yet is adequately info-rich.
Honda has streamlined the trims, with WR-V left with either SV or VX to choose between. Auto climate control, electrically adjustable ORVMs, reach and height-adjustable steering wheel, sun roof and four-speaker set up are part of the standard features. Practicality quotient inside the cabin is top notch as well, with multiple cubby holes, parcel tray and knick knacks in the front row.
Space on offer wasn’t a matter of dispute. Six feet and beyond will also find ample space to extend the legs in the back seat. Honda could have paid attention to finer details as the rear seat occupants miss out on adjustable headrests, dedicated cooling vents, or even a central armrest.
Introduced in 2017, WR-V did create quite an impact, especially due to the well-accomplished Honda engines. It’s either the 1.2-litre I-VTEC or 1.5-litre I-DTEC with an only six-speed manual as an option. Interestingly, the 1.5-litre diesel engine is the same as the one in City, however, it is pointless to think the same level of refinement and tuning.
The 100 PS and 200 Nm engine is fun to drive, especially once you go past 1,800 rpm. Dab the accelerator and needle springs to 4,000 rpm, showing great tractability. The gear lever is smooth to row with a light clutch pedal. However, the long travel of the clutch will be a thing to get used to.
Honda has worked on the NVH levels and it shows. The engine is calmer in the mid-range and noise tends to creep is once the rev count nears the redline. The clatter isn’t intrusive, in case, you tune into the radio.
Unlike an SUV, the driver’s stance isn’t tall, leading to a lower centre of gravity. The body roll is well controlled and the contoured seats help you hold good speeds around the corners. The steering is nicely-weighed, tries to remain composed even in triple-digits.
WR-V, in simple words, was always a spacious hatch draped in SUV suit. The suspension tuning is on the softer side, which is conducive to gulp road undulations at lower speeds.
The BS6 emission has marginally dented the superb fuel efficiency number. However, tipping at 24kmpl (ARAI claimed), WR-V still manages to be frugal with a 1.5-litre engine.
SUV is the unsaid trend in recent times yet if you wish to afford a stylish cross with Honda badge, look no forward but WR-V.
| Petrol | Diesel | |
| SV | Rs 849,900 | Rs 979,900 |
| VX | Rs 969,900 | Rs 10,99,900 |
Why should you buy WR-V
1. Space on offer is ample
2. The level of fit and finish is decent
3. Responsive steering wheel
4. Fuel efficiency
Why should you not buy WR-V?
1. Lacks features
2. Simple interiors
3. No automatic
