Honda has unveiled the new WR-V for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). However, this is different than the new Honda WR-V that was introduced in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia earlier this year.
Related: 1 Year of New Honda HR-V in Pakistan
In fact, the JDM WR-V is a rebadged Honda Elevate which made its debut in India in July and went on sale in September, making Honda’s naming convention even more complex. Just like the HR-V in North American markets is a rebadged Honda ZR-V sold in the Chinese market, but the HR-V in other parts of the world including Pakistan is different.
For now, Honda is only providing preliminary details such as the JDM WR-V will be available in 3 variants, namely X, Z, and Z+, and will go on sale in Japan from Q1, 2024. All variants will be powered by a 1.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine, paired to a CVT gearbox sending drive to the front wheels. The setup is the same as the Indian Elevate which churns out 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque, but is available with a 6-speed manual transmission option as well.
The JDM WR-V will be offered with Honda Connect telematics as well as Honda Sensing, consisting of autonomous emergency braking, false start prevention (front and rear), lane departure assist, lane keeping support, adaptive cruise control, lead car departure notification, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beam, and parking sensors.
Based on pictures from Honda Japan’s official website, the WR-V shares many of the Elevate’s amenities, including a 7-inch multi-info display, fabric seat upholstery, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, and a touchscreen head unit. More details are expected to become available ahead of the launch.
While we can’t expect Honda Atlas to introduce the Elevate here in Pakistan, we do know the JDM WR-V can always arrive here sooner than expected in the shape of a used import.
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