Honda unveiled an all-new SUV, called the WR-V, slotting neatly beneath the HR-V, at the 2016 Sao Paulo International Motor Show this week.
The ‘Winsome Runabout Vehicle’ is based on the Jazz hatchback that most are already familiar with. Some aesthetic changes have been made by Honda’s R&D Brazil facility following market studies showing that local demand wanted a “tough, urban SUV design with excellent utility and spaciousness, from a compact body size.”
Production has been confirmed for Brazil, beginning somewhere in the first half of 2017. Sales should follow throughout South America shortly afterward. However, the tough little thing will not be making an appearance on local shores, as the WR-V is a product designed exclusively for the South American market, with only India standing as an exception.
The WR-V bears a design language befitting a car of its nature, wearing dark body cladding and riding a little higher than the hatchback on which its based. There are also big alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and boasts similar interior practicality as the Honda Jazz. Under the bonnet, the South American model should see the 1.5l Flex-Fuel i-VTEC mill from the Jazz make an appearance, paired to either a 5-speed manual or CVT auto sending power to the front wheels.
Issao Mizoguchi, President & Director of Honda Automotives Brazil said, “Honda has been strengthening its product development to accommodate the needs of customers in this region. The WR-V is one of the major achievements of such efforts. This, in addition to the CR-V and HR-V, will further strengthen the presence of Honda in the South American region.”
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