Honda Jazz
Honda JazzHonda Cars India

It is probably one of the worst kept secrets that Japanese car-maker Honda is readying a new crossover based on its hatchback the Jazz. The Jazz-based crossover codenamed 2FM is likely to be named as WR-V.

While earlier reports had said that the production of the prototypes of the WR-V has commenced in India at the company's facility at Takapura in Rajasthan, the latest is that Jazz-based crossover could be launched in the country earlier than expected. A report of MotorOctane, citing sources close to the development, says that the WR-V would make its way into the Indian auto market in 2017. Previously it was rumoured to be launched in 2018.

The WR-V is expected to be pitted against Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura, Volkswagen CrossPolo and Toyota Etios Cross in India. Under the hood, the new WR-V is likely to get the same engine as that of the Jazz. The Jazz is powered by a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that can generate power of 90bhp with a torque of 110Nm at 4,800rpm and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel motor, that can pump in 100bhp of power and 200Nm torque.

The Jazz-based crossover is currently being tested outside India and is likely to begin its tests on the Indian-roads soon. The model is also likely to take design cues from the Jazz. It was also being reported that the WR-V will premiere at Sao Paolo Motor Show in Brazil in November 2016.