Honda WR-V (Jazz-based crossover) to debut in November

Japanese car maker Honda started working on a crossover model based on the Jazz hatchback (Fit in global markets) early this year. Emerging reports say the project has reached its final stage and the debut of the prototype can be expected at Sao Paulo International Motor Show to be held in November.

The crossover has been snapped under camouflage quite a few times on South American roads in the past months. The vehicle has been touted with the name WR-V in line with the other SUV name of Honda. Since, the WR-V is based on the Jazz, the crossover will use most of the underpinnings of the hatchback. The new model is expected to be cross-hatch version that will go up against the Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura and Toyota Etios Cross.

The WR-V is expected to carry over the same engine as that of the Jazz hatchback. It packs the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that powers the Amaze and the Brio. It can generate power of 90bhp with a torque of 110Nm at 4,800rpm. The other engine, a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel motor, can pump 100bhp of power and 200Nm torque.

On design, the WR-V is expected to flaunt crossover traits such as roof rails, skid plate, body cladding and more. Reports say Honda has plans to manufacture the crossover at the Takapura plant in Rajasthan.

The last generation of the Jazz had a jacked up version called Jazz Twist sold in certain international markets. The WR-V is expected to be successor to the Jazz Twist.