Honda has taken the wraps off the all-new Honda WR-V crossover at the 2016 Sao Paulo Auto Show. It is the replacement of the Honda Fit Twist in Brazil, and will arrive in Brazilian showrooms in the first half of 2017.
Related: Honda India Launches The New Brio for INR 4.69 lac
Honda says that ‘WR-V’ is an acronym for ‘Winsome Runabout Vehicle’. The name, as well as the rugged bold styling helps distance the WR-V from the regular Honda Fit/ Honda Jazz. It has the usual pseudo-crossover touches like higher ground clearance, tough body cladding, and larger rims, bolder grille garnished with chrome and roof rails. The rear-end borrows cues from the current Jazz and the latest Honda CR-V.
Honda has not revealed the interior nor its final engine specifications at the unveil. However according to sources, the engine is likely to be Honda Fit’s 1.5L Flex-fuel i-VTEC four cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual or CVT, sending power to the front wheels.
On the event, Issao Mizoguchi, President and Director of Honda Automoveis do Brazil Ltd, said :
“Including the establishment of a new automobile R&D Center in Brazil which became operational in 2013, Honda has been strengthening its product development to accommodate the needs of customers in this region. This WR-V is one of the major achievements resulting from such efforts. With the introduction of this new SUV, in addition to the CR-V and HR-V, we will further strengthen the presence of Honda in the South American region.”
In the Brazilian market, the WR-V will slot beneath the Honda HR-V, and rival lower variants of the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, VW CrossFox and Chevrolet Onix Activ. Honda is also preparing to launch the WR-V crossover in India by March 2017, according to sources.
Related: Honda To Launch WR-V Crossover In India
With more than 2 decades of operations in Pakistan, Honda Atlas has not been able to launch small affordable cars from Honda’s diverse portfolio such as the Brio/ Amaze, Fit/ Jazz, BR-V etc. We strongly believe Atlas Honda should work towards offering vehicles that can slot below the Civic & City sedans rather than offering vehicles costing in excess of 3 million that only caters to a very limited set of buyers.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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