New Honda’s new WR-V Crossover hits South Africa

Set as another contender in the already bursting at the seams smalls crossover segment, the Honda WR-V is a Jazz-based SUV seat to take the fight to the of Ford’s likes EcoSport, Hyundai Venue and VW T-Cross. Set it to slot in the Honda line-up between the HR-V and CR-V, How does it stack up given the tough competition.

2020 Honda WR-V: Design and looks 

As a larger brother to the Jazzthe raised body, muscular looks set the WR-V apart from other hatch based crossovers. The front end gains LED daytime running lights and Large clear headlamps fitted with wither projector headlamps of halogen projectors and fog lamps and signature chrome grill, now a feature of all Honda’s. The bumpers gain darkened plastics with skid and underside protection. The C-shaped tail lamps dominate the rear hatch at the rear, which is extra large and extends down to the bumper.

2020 Honda WRV: Interior 

The biggest highlight in the WR-V is arguably the Magic Seats from the Honda Jazz, which means seats endlessly configurable and can be moved around to create minivan-like space. With the seats folded in a 60/40 split the impressive 881Litres of spaces elude to massive amounts of space that the WR-V should have internally, and being a Honda, all kinds of door pockets and jams should mean endless storage space. The comfort model features a five-inch LCD audio system featuring Bluetooth, USB and four speakers. Elegance models gain a more extensive Seven-inch touchscreen multi-function touch display audio system, featuring Apple Carplay and Andriod Auto and an upgraded six-speaker system.

2020 Honda WR-V: Safety and specification 

Both Comfort and Elegance models feature a reverse camera, with the Elegance models gain a reverse camera. Other features exclusive to the Elegance include keyless entry and start and cruise control. Safety is an essential element of the WR-V, which is ultimately a family-focused vehicle. A total of six airbags( driver, passager, side-impact and curtain) feature in both WR-V models. Other features like Anti-lock brakes, Front Seatbelt pre-tensioners and ISOFIX child seat anchors and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Roof rails add further flair to the overall design, and a total of 4 exterior body colours are available, including Platinum White, Radiant Red, Lunar Silver and Modern Steel.

2020 Honda WR-V: Engine and performance

Powering the WR-V is 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol, making use of i-VTEC intelligence Valve Timing management, aiding in the production of 66kW and 110Nm. In both models its paired to a five-speed manual. Claimed fuel consumption is claimed at 6.4 litres/100. Keen readers will note this is the same engine from the Honda Jazz and is actually an engine that is now two generations old, and with the low torque output, this may indeed feel the case behind the wheel, especially when loaded. The Jazz does feature a CVT gearbox offering, but at this point, there are no plans to introduce this model to the line up for South Africa.

2020 Honda WR-V: Pricing 

The new Honda WR-V is priced as follows:WR-V 1.2 Comfort MT R289,900WR-V 1.2 Elegance MT R319,900The new Honda WR-V comes standard with Honda’s five-year/200,000km warranty, backed by a four-year/60,00km service plan as stand