Honda WRV

The new Honda W-RV is a crossover based on the Jazz/City platform. The W-RV looks distinctive. Apart from the new design it also gets mechanical updates like a new transmission for the petrol engine and a reworked suspension.
India is the first country to produce the crossover and also the first market where it will be sold.

EXTERIOR
Honda has added new design elements to the exterior of the W-RV. The front fascia features a bold chrome band running between the sweptback headlamps, and an all new bumper giving the W-RV that requisite aggressive look.
The rear profile features new L-shaped headlamps, tail-gate and a dual tone bumper.
The side profile resembles to that of the Jazz, albeit Honda has added some new bits to the WR-V such as the flared wheel arches, roof rails, plastic cladding on the lower body and new diamond cut alloy wheels for a refreshed look.

INTERIOR
The WR-V gets the same dashboard as the Jazz, but the infotainment system is from the City. Even the steering is reach-adjustable.
The interior is in an all—black theme with a few dashes of grey and silver in the corners and trims. It also gets cruise control, height-adjustable seats and a push button starter, but that’s only if you opt for the diesel. There are even unique bits like the new and smaller gear lever that’s quite fun to use.
Like the Jazz, the cabin space is super-generous, since you get plenty of bottle holders, two rear seatback pockets and a 363-litre boot.
While Honda has added some good features, including a central arm rest with storage, the Jazz’s ‘magic seats’ have been skipped, nor does it get 60:40 split seats. Additionally, the W-RV comes with a Sun roof for light, 7 inch Digi-pad and Standard Safety Features.

ENGINE, PERFORMANCE, RIDE and HANDLING
The WRV comes in both petrol and diesel variants.
The petrol variant derives its power from 1.2L i-VTEC engine which offers a maximum power of 90Ps and a peak torque of 110Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and gives 17.5kmpl of mileage.
While the 1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine makes 100PS of power and 200Nm of torque, and comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, giving 25.5kmpl of mileage. Power delivery is smooth and linear at all times, but it’s only easy to drive, not enjoyable.
As far as the ride and handling is considered, the WR-V feels steady at triple digit speeds and soaks bumps and undulations with utmost smoothness. The crossover’s rough road ability is certainly better than the hatchback it’s based on. However, the overall suspension setup is a bit soft, especially on the lighter petrol-engine version.
And there is considerable engine noise that leaks into the cabin and is quite intrusive when driven hard.

BRAKING & SAFETY
All variants of the Honda WR-V get dual front airbags and ABS with EBD as standard.
It also gets a rear camera with multiple viewing angles, but like the City and Jazz, you don't get rear parking sensors.
Brakes are progressive and efficient and ABS is sharp for a cross hatchback.

CONCLUSION
With brilliant looks, amazing drivability, ample space, decent power and comfortable ride and handling, The WR-V is the perfect cross-hatch to buy.