Honda WR-V

Honda has thoroughly updated the interior of the WR-V as compared to the previous-generation model. Retaining its layout from the Honda Amaze compact sedan sold in other Asian markets, the cabin has a very simplistic approach and a tad too plain layout. However, the contrasting red highlights against the all-black upholstery offered in the RS trim add some zing to the cabin.

The Honda WR-V has a three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, which has satin silver inserts on its spokes and a rather simple-looking analogue layout for the dials with a 4.2-inch TFT MID in the instrument console. The asymmetric centre console accommodates a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the middle panel, which has curved edges on the sides and a gloss black theme. This panel has a sleek-looking trapezoidal housing for the slim AC vents above it and a hexagonal panel for the climate control buttons below it. The Honda WR-V is decently equipped with essential features like a push start-stop button, paddle shifters, cruise control, a 6-speaker audio system and driver seat height adjustment.

Compared to the previous-generation WR-V, this all-new generation model has lost a bit of its bulk and in the process, has become sharper in its appearance. The overall design of the new Honda WR-V has been inspired by the larger SUVs from Honda like the HR-V and CR-V, which has witnessed it receiving sharp lines and angular elements all around.

At the front, the Honda WR-V has an angular-looking fascia, which is a combination of a hexagonal grille with shorter lower edges in the middle and edgier-looking headlamp clusters to its sides. In the higher-spec variants, while the grille features a diamond-studded design, the headlamps are all-LED units, with the RS version also featuring sequential LED indicators. Even the front bumper contributes to making the WR-V look sporty with edgy gloss-black housings for the LED fog lamps, faux silver skid plate and body cladding at the bottom.

Honda has given just the right proportions to the WR-V, which is why it looks proportionate from the side despite its compact dimensions. The pillars have an angular design, with the C-pillar having a wide design adding some muscular appeal to the crossover. The WR-V also features a sharp crease running through its door panels and rear door handles recessed in the rear window housing, along with 16-inch wheels – the RS variant has sportier-looking larger 17-inch machined alloy wheels.

At the back, the Honda WR-V has lesser visual drama with a slanted rear windscreen with a body-coloured spoiler and LED brake light and L-shaped combination LED tail lamps on the sides of the rather clean-looking boot lid design. The rear bumper also has sporty-looking body cladding and a silver skid plate in the middle.  

Measuring 4060mm long, 1780mm wide and 1608mm tall, the Honda WR-V has a ground clearance of 207mm. This high ground clearance, along with large wheels and suspension combination of Macpherson struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear, gives the Honda WR-V a reassuring feel in its driving dynamics, especially over bad roads. With a turning radius of 5.2 metres, the WR-V is an easy vehicle to steer around the traffic-laden and narrow city streets.

The only engine option offered in the entire four-variant lineup of the Honda WR-V is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which it shares with the City sedan and City hatchback. This refined and reliable engine is paired to a CVT gearbox and produces a maximum power output of 121 PS and a peak torque output of 145 Nm. Honda claims a 0-100 kmph timing of 11 seconds and a restricted top speed of 160 kmph for the WR-V.

Apart from the basics like six airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill starts assist, reverse parking sensors and rear multi-angle camera, the Honda WR-V is also equipped with Honda Sensing level-2 ADAS suite of features. This package consists of a front collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, collision mitigation braking system, lead car departure notification system, lane keep assist system and auto high beam.

The Honda WR-V might not be too bold or fancy in its visual appeal inside-out, but the right proportions and a clean and mature design will make it age well. The tried-and-tested engine and well-sorted driving dynamics make the WR-V an easy and practical vehicle to live with.