The 2020 Honda WR-V has been launched in India and the hatchback-SUV crossover gets plenty of changes on the updated version. This is the first comprehensive upgrade to the WR-V since its launch in 2017. The model receives subtly refreshed styling, new features and updated BS6 compliant petrol and diesel engines. The automaker now offers the WR-V in two variants - SV and VX - while the erstwhile entry-level S trim has been discontinued. This means that both versions of the subcompact crossover are feature-laden as the model locks horns against the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and the likes.
Visually, the 2020 Honda WR-V comes with a larger grille with horizontal slats and Honda's signature chrome bar with the big H logo the centre. The headlamp cluster has been upgraded to new LED projector lens units with LED daytime running lights. The front bumper has been tweaked and there are new LED fog lamps. At the rear, the model looks identical to the current one but there are the new LED tail lamps with the smoked treatment, and C-shaped LED signature lights. The WR-V facelift also gets new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels sporting a different design and a shark fin antenna.
Inside, the 2020 Honda WR-V facelift gets revised upholstery, cruise control function with steering mounted button, one-touch start-stop button, keyless entry and height-adjustable driver's seat. The car also comes with electric sunroof, auto climate control, new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There’s the new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system called the Digipad 2.0 that offers in-built navigation with live traffic support, voice command and Bluetooth telephony. Honda has also added an updated front armrest with a storage area that can accommodate a full-size tablet. The safety suite is expansive as well with dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, multi-view rear camera, reverse parking sensors and more, all of which are now standard across the range.
Power on the new Honda WR-V facelift continues to come from the same engines that meet the new emission standards. This includes the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol motor produces out 89 bhp and 110 Nm of peak torque, while paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The diesel version uses the 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-DTEC engine tuned for 99 bhp and 200 Nm of peak torque, while paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. There are no automatic options on offer.
Honda has applied its advanced exhaust gas after-treatment system with NSC (NOx Storage Catalyst) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) to meet the target of particulate matter (PM) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emission in case of diesel engines. Honda's original Silver Thin Coated DPF (STC-DPF) enables reduction of PM combustion time by 40 per cent compared to the conventional DPF. All of these changes help the engines meet the new BS6 norms on the WR-V.
The Honda WR-V is available in six colour options - Premium Amber Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic and Platinum White Pearl. The model is offered with a 3 year/Unlimited Kilometres warranty, as standard. The automaker also offers an extended warranty of 2 years with Unlimited/Limited kilometres for a better ownership experience. The WR-V comes with a service interval of 1 year/10,000 km whichever is earlier and a 3-year Annual Maintenance Package can be purchased separately when buying the vehicle, with an average cost of Rs. 4,000 for Petrol and Rs. 6,000 for Diesel annually.
The 2020 Honda WR-V is priced from Rs. 8.50 lakh for the SV trim, going up to Rs. 9.70 for the VX petrol version. The WR-V diesel range starts at Rs. 9.80 lakh, going up to Rs. 11 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi) for the range-topping VX diesel. Bookings for the WR-V are open on Honda’s website and at its dealerships across India.
