Honda WR-V revealed in official sketch; India launch in March 2017

Honda has revealed its upcoming Jazz-based crossover, WR-V, in an official sketch ahead of its possible global premiere at the 2016 Sao Paulo International Motor Show in November.

WR-V, the crossover that underpins the Jazz hatchback, will also come to the Indian market. From the latest images, although a quick glance at the model reminds us of Jazz, WR-V looks stylish with a new front fascia. It has a new front grille with chrome bar at the centre and large air dam.

The crossover seems to have also received a new tail lamp cluster, although the rear is not visible in the image. In the international markets, WR-V will replace Jazz Fit Twist - jacked up version of Jazz. WR-V is also expected to flaunt crossover traits such as roof rails, skid plate, body cladding and more.

Coming to the cabin of WR-V, the word around the internet suggests that the Jazz- crossover is likely to get a similar styling of the hatchback except for the addition of updated features. As for the engine, the Brazil-spec WR-V is expected to come powered by a 1.5-litre flex-fuel engine, mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT unit.

In India, 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 Amaze and 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.

The emerging reports suggest that the launch of WR-V in India will happen in March 2017. WR-V is expected to be pitted against Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura, Volkswagen CrossPolo and Toyota Etios Cross in India.