Honda Jazz-based crossover (WR-V) prototype production begins in India: Report

Japanese car-maker Honda has reportedly started the production of the prototype of its upcoming Jazz-based crossover in India. GaadiWaadi reported that the Jazz-based crossover will likely be tested on the roads in India soon.

The Jazz-based crossover is expected to be launched in India in 2017. The details of the upcoming Honda crossover are scanty at this point of time since the model is believed to be in its early stages of development. However, rumours doing the rounds on the internet suggest that the Jazz-based crossover could be monikered as WR-V. An earlier report of QautroRodas had said that the WR-V, codenamed 2FM, will be premiered at Sao Paolo Motor Show in Brazil in November 2016.

With WR-V, Honda is believed to be expecting large volume of sales in India and the crossover will be pitted against Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura, Volkswagen CrossPolo and Toyota Etios Cross. The Honda WR-V is currently said to be undergoing test runs in other countries.

Likely to be powered by the engine that does duty in the Jazz hatchback, the WR-V is also expected to borrow styling cues from it. 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.

Besides the Jazz-based crossover, Honda is also said to be working on a new generation Brio compact car and Amaze sedan, codenamed 2UA and 2UB, respectively for the Indian market.